This happens almost every time Dash Fifita is on the football field. Somehow, he outwitted the 300-pound offensive linemen and intercepted the ball. It's as if he has the magical power to become invisible and suddenly appear to confront the player with the ball.
“It comes down to the fact that you have an undersized linebacker in the area and you have to know the game inside and out,” he said.
No one in Southern California was a better role model for how to break the mold and succeed in football than the 5-foot-9, 195-pound Santa Margarita High Southern Section linebacker. He has his own role model in brother Noah, who proved at Arizona that you can be a college quarterback at 5-10 and 186 pounds.
Troy Thomas knows this family well. He coached Noah at Servite when the Friars reached the 2021 Southern Division 1 championship game and saw Dash continue the family tradition of being fearless and tough.
“Family is a huge part of their inspiration,” Thomas said. “You can see the way they play. They play for their teammates. They play for God. I don't see a lot of linemen get his hands on it very often. The brothers are very similar. They're willing to take risks. He's going to put his body on the line to represent his family and the team.”
Fifita was part of Southern California's top defensive unit heading into the CIF Open Division state championship bowl game against undefeated Concord De La Salle on Saturday at 8 p.m. at Saddleback College.
“I have the best defensive line in the country and that makes my job easier,” Fifita said.
Fifita's uncle, Steve, is Santa Margarita's defensive coordinator. His father, Les, helps run the OC Buckeyes youth football organization. There should be more than 50 cousins, aunts and uncles in the stands on Saturday cheering for Dash, as well as former OC Buckeyes. If his name is mentioned on the public address system, expect a lot of noise. Noah will be there to lead the attack.
“There are a ton of cousins and they come and support,” Thomas said.
Santa Margarita midfielder Dash Fifita is headed to Arizona.
(Eric Sondheimer/Los Angeles Times)
Playing as a central midfielder, Fifita leads the team in tackles with 95 points. He also has 5½ sacks and one interception. He has the vision and instincts of an eagle: he anticipates, reads, and then pounces and attacks.
After the last two seasons showed his size to be an asset rather than a liability, Fifita's quickness and instincts have earned him widespread respect.
From St. John Bosco defensive coordinator Chris King: “Dash is just a super smart football player. If you really know the game, it slows down for you. He plays with relentless effort. He has this attitude: “I’m the best dude on the field.” He is a coach on the field and knows more than just his role. He's 18, but he acts as a midfield coach with 10 years of experience.”
Steve Fifita said Dash “has been around football his whole life.” The other day he was playing the video game Madden with his brother Noah, and both kept talking about “real” football in the middle of the game. As for who won, they say Dash did it.
Fifita signed with Arizona last week to follow his brother to Tucson.
The big question is which Fifita has faced the most challenges due to its size?
“Quarterbacks have a tougher time than linebackers,” Thomas said. “As long as you're strong and fast, you can still see the linebacker. Being a quarterback, you still have to find those lanes. Very few people can do that, but Noah can.”
If you come to Saddleback College on Saturday, there's a good chance you'll meet someone connected to the Fifites. You will feel their energy. You will see their loyalty. They're all about family and proving the naysayers wrong.
