Prepare to shed a lot of tears this weekend at the CIF State Championship football games in Orange County.
“Without a doubt,” Ventura High quarterback Derek Garcia said.
High school seniors play their last high school football games. Others will never play again unless it's intramural football. And others are heading off to college in a few days as scholarship athletes, so win or lose, changes are coming that will challenge emotions when reality sets in.
“I had a great feeling all week knowing this was going to be my last high school game because most of the time when you play, it's up in the air,” Garcia said. “Win and you keep going, or lose and you go home. It's a great feeling that we've come this far and we're in the last possible game. We're ready to go.”
Garcia has played for his father, Tim, Ventura's head coach, for years. It now concludes Friday with the Division 3-AA final against San Francisco St. Ignatius at 8 p.m. at Fullerton High before heading to Nevada Las Vegas.
“It’s hard sometimes, but it’s helped bring us so many memories and so many great times together,” Garcia said. “It’s been an amazing journey and I wouldn’t want it any other way.”
Some teams in the state championship games are playing their 16th game in a long and memorable season.
“It was great to keep playing,” Garcia said.
He's moving into his UNLV dorm on Jan. 18, driving a truck and counting on his parents to help him move. But will his mother allow him to leave the family nest?
“We’ll see when that day comes,” he said.
Yes, it's time for the football players and their parents to cry.
Saddleback College will host a tripleheader on Saturday in what should be an unforgettable matchup.
Open Division
Of The Room (12-0) vs. Santa Daisy (10-3), 8 p.m.
Northern California hasn't won the state's top division since 2015. De La Salle's speed could lead to some big plays against the state's top defense, especially if 100-meter record holder Jaden Jefferson gets the running back spot. But Santa Margarita has its top weapon in Trent Mosley, who had 10 catches for 292 yards against Corona Centennial two weeks ago. Choice: Santa Margherita.
Division 1-A
Oxnard Pacifica (15-0) vs. Fresno Central East (13-1), 3:30 p.m.
This is a battle of young defenders. Pacifica's Taylor Lee passed for 3,742 yards and 51 touchdowns. East passed for 4,298 yards and 56 touchdowns. If you like offense, this might be the most fun game to play. Choice: Pacifica.
Division 2-A
Rio Hondo Prep (15-0) vs. Sonora (14-0), 11:30 a.m.
This is a game where small schools are finally in the spotlight. Both love to run the ball, so the game can be completed in less than two hours. Sonora rushed for 340 yards in the regional final. Rio Hondo Prep rushed for 263 yards and one pass. Choice: Sonora.
Division: 3-AA
Ventura (13-2) vs. San Francisco St. Ignatius (8-6), 8 p.m. Friday at Fullerton High
Garcia passed for 3,360 yards and 36 touchdowns and rushed for 750 yards and 12 touchdowns. The Cougars also have linebacker Tristan Phillips headed to Oregon. St. Ignatius is riding a six-game winning streak after more consistent play at the quarterback position. Choice: Ventura.
