Drew Brees has experienced difficult defeats throughout his football career, but Santa Fe Christian’s semifinal loss brought a different kind of frustration. The former New Orleans Saints quarterback watched from the sideline as the Eagles fell 21-13 to top-seeded Carlsbad in the CIF San Diego Section Open Division semifinals. The result ended Santa Fe Christian’s unbeaten season and its bid to reach the championship game.
After the game, a video of Brees on the sideline circulated online. In the clip, he appeared animated, prompting some viewers to claim that he had cursed at members of the opposing team. Brees responded directly to the allegation in a comment on the viral post.
“No cussing. Good try though,” he wrote.
Although Brees appeared frustrated during the game, accounts from the contest said his anger was directed at the officials and the handling of the clock—not at Carlsbad’s players or fans. The dispute involved the final seconds, when Brees wanted one second added back to the clock before time expired. The clock ran out, ending Santa Fe Christian’s season and adding to the frustration on the coaching staff.
The loss marked a significant setback for a Santa Fe Christian team that had enjoyed an outstanding season. The Eagles entered the semifinal as the No. 4 seed with an undefeated record. Carlsbad, meanwhile, was the top seed in the Open Division. With its 21-13 victory, Carlsbad advanced to the November 21 championship game against Cathedral Catholic.
Carlsbad running back Darian Webb was a major factor in the result. He rushed for 175 yards and scored all three of his team’s touchdowns. Santa Fe Christian made a late push, narrowing the deficit to 14-13 with just over six minutes remaining. The Eagles then failed to convert a two-point attempt. Carlsbad scored again afterward, securing the victory and a place in the final.
For Brees, the game was another chapter in his increasing involvement in high school football. The Super Bowl XLIV champion joined Santa Fe Christian’s coaching staff in 2025 and serves as the team’s passing game coordinator. His three sons are also part of the program, making his role with the school a personal as well as a coaching commitment.
Brees’ presence on the sideline has drawn attention because of his celebrated professional career. He began his NFL career with the San Diego Chargers before spending 15 seasons with the New Orleans Saints. During his time in New Orleans, he led the team to its first Super Bowl championship. Brees was named MVP of Super Bowl XLIV and was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2026.
Santa Fe Christian’s final record was 11-1 after the team went unbeaten in the regular season. The Eagles had also gone 13-1 in 2025, giving the program 24 victories across its previous 25 games. The semifinal defeat ended that strong run, even as it left the team with an impressive record over the past two seasons.
The loss was a disappointing finish for Santa Fe Christian, and the sideline video prompted questions about Brees’ reaction. His response, however, was straightforward: he denied cursing at the rival team. While the final moments of the game were tense, the reported disagreement centered on the clock and officiating as Santa Fe Christian’s season came to an end.
