For the first time in almost a decade, the San Fernando High School football team ranks first in its division and is set to play in the California Interscholastic Federation (CIF) Regional Football Championship Bowl Games on Friday night.
This achievement came after the Tigers beat Cleveland High School 21-14 last Friday, Nov. 28, winning the Division II title and heading into the championship with an 11-3 record. This is the first time San Fernando High has made it this far in the division since 2017, and it will be its first appearance in the CIF Regional Football Championship Bowl.
“We are really excited about accomplishing the feat of being Division II champions,” said Varsity Head Coach Charles Burnley. “It’s been a long season of ups and downs, and the guys really, really worked hard, and they’re a resilient bunch. I’m really proud and happy for them.”
The Tigers are set to play against the Woodbridge High School Warriors, who have a 6-8 record, on Dec. 5. If they win, San Fernando High advances to the state championship.
Burnley said that there’s a feeling of anxiety heading into Friday’s game because the school has such a rich football history. San Fernando High is one of the few Southern California schools that has produced a Heisman Trophy recipient, he continued, as well as players who have gone on to play in the National Football League (NFL) – most famously Charles White, a Hall of Famer who played for the Cleveland Browns and Los Angeles Rams.
“This is another huge opportunity for the program to showcase who we are,” Burnley said. “We’re really excited about the opportunity. And as far as preparation is concerned, we’re going to take it on the same way we take on any game, and that is to practice hard [and] as coaches to put together what we believe would be a winning strategy.”
The season is extra special for Burnley because he was also nominated for the LA Rams High School Football Coach of the Year. The coach, who’s been with San Fernando High for four seasons, is one of 10 nominees. Fans vote for their choice, and the winner will be announced at a January game between the Rams and the Arizona Cardinals.
In addition to each nominee receiving a game ball and a $1,000 equipment grant, the top three winners will receive a cash prize – of $7,500, $3,000 and $1,500, respectively. The voting period ends Dec. 30.
“It’s an honor to be nominated, especially amongst the incredible other coaches that are in that category,” Burnley said.
Looking to Win it All
The football team and their families had their own little celebration on campus on Dec. 1 after they arrived back from their away game against Cleveland High, eating burgers served up at the snack shack right by the football field.
The players are proud of the division win.
“It means a lot to me, being able to lead my team to this championship,” said senior Melvin Pineda. “For me, it took four years, but we finally did it, and I’m happy to be here.”
“It’s definitely an honor to be on this team, and next year I hope to strive and grow with this team and maybe win another championship next year,” said junior Brandan McElvaine-Marshall.
Although it’s the first time these players have made it this far into the season, they aren’t letting the pressure get to them. Rather, they’re confident not only in their abilities but in those of their teammates.
“We just got to have that confidence,” said senior Andrew Newchurch. “We’ve got to come together as a team and see how good we truly are together as a team instead of as separate players. … I just hope we can make it all the way through to the regional championship.”
“We just need to have more discipline at practice to lock in and do what we have to so we can win,” added Darrion Turner, senior. “I want it all.”
For several of these players, it’s their last season before graduating from San Fernando High. They hope that they will win the state championship for their school.
“We’re going to try to win it all,” said senior Julian Sarzo. “We’ve been working all season. … We’re going to face some adversity, but we’re going to conquer it.”
To cast your vote for Coach of the Year, go to https://web.witcontests.com/rams/sweepstakes/vote/la-rams-boys-high-school-coach-251223.