Get ready for lots of tears this weekend at the CIF State Championship football games in Orange County.
“There’s no question,” Ventura High quarterback Derek Garcia said.
The seniors are playing their last high school football games. Others will never play again unless it’s intramural football. And others leave for college as scholarship athletes within days, so win or lose, there’s a change coming that will challenge the emotions when the reality sets in.
“It was a great feeling all week knowing it was going to be my last high school game because most of the time you go there it’s up in the air,” Garcia said. “Win and you go on or lose and you go home. It feels great to have made it this far and to be in the last possible game to play. We’re ready to go.”
Garcia has played for his father, Tim, Ventura’s head coach, for years. They will now finish Friday in the Division 3-AA final against San Francisco St. Ignatius at 8:00 PM at Fullerton High before heading to Nevada Las Vegas.
“It’s hard sometimes, but it’s been able to bring us so many memories and so many great times together,” Garcia said. “It’s been an amazing journey and I wouldn’t have it any other way.
Some of the teams in the state championship games are playing their 16th game in a long, memorable season.
“It was great to still be playing,” Garcia said.
He’ll move into the UNLV dorm on Jan. 18, driving his truck and relying on his parents to help him move. But will mom let him leave the family nest?
“We’ll see when that day comes,” he said.
Yes, it’s time for tears for football players and their parents.
Saddleback College hosts a tripleheader on Saturday that should produce some memorable games.
Open division
De La Salle (12-0) vs. Santa Margarita (10-3), 8 p.m
The Northern California team hasn’t won in the state’s top division since 2015. De La Salle’s speed could cause big matchups against the state’s top defense, especially if 100-meter record holder Jaden Jefferson gets room to run. But Santa Margarita has its own big weapon in Trent Mosley, who had 10 catches for 292 yards against Corona Centennial two weeks ago. Selection: Santa Margarita.
Division 1-A
Oxnard Pacifica (15-0) vs. Fresno Central East (13-1), 3:30 p.m
This is a battle of junior quarterbacks. Pacifica’s Taylor Lee passed for 3,742 yards and 51 touchdowns. East passed for 4,298 yards and 56 touchdowns. If you like attacks, this can be the most fun game. Pick: Pacifica.
Division 2-A
Rio Hondo Prep (15-0) vs. Sonora (14-0), 11:30 a.m
This is the game where small schools will finally take center stage. Both love to run with the ball, so the game could be completed in less than two hours. Sonora rushed for 340 yards in its regional final. Rio Hondo Prep rushed for 263 yards and attempted one pass. Selection: 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 from Oregon. St. Ignatius is on a six-game winning streak after getting more consistent play at quarterback. Choice: Ventura.
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