Tiny Rio Hondo Prep won its 15th straight football game Saturday night 26-21 over Solano Beach Santa Fe Christian to advance to the CIF Division 2-A state championship game next Saturday at 11:30 a.m. at Saddleback College against undefeated Sonora (14-0).
What coach Mark Carson accomplished would have earned him a million dollar contract if he were at the college level. The school of 82 boys, all of whom play football or work with the team, has steadily moved up the divisions and will now be on the biggest stage as part of a tripleheader at Saddleback College.
Undefeated Oxnard Pacifica will face Fresno East at 3:30 p.m., culminating in the Open Division final between Santa Margarita and De La Salle at 8 p.m.
The star of Rio Hondo’s practice Saturday was running back Christian Lee, who rushed for 122 yards and scored four touchdowns. Kares won again without injured back Noah Penunuri. They’re still finding ways to win, just like they did when they captured the Division 5 South Section championship.
Last year, Rio Hondo Prep lost in the 3-A final to Vanden 42-41 in overtime.
Here are the results from this weekend’s regional finals.
This is a daily look at positive events in high school sports. To submit any news, please email eric.sondheimer@latimes.com.
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