Cinderella Story: Monte Vista Claims Division 5 Title as Historic 12-Seed
In a stunning conclusion to an improbable playoff run, the Monte Vista Monarchs defeated the No. 2 seed Bonita Vista Barons 38-21 to claim the CIF San Diego Division 5 championship. The victory marks the first time in CIF San Diego playoff history that a 12-seed has captured a championship title.
Senior running back Alexander Villanueva didn't just break records; he shattered expectations with a legendary performance, carrying the ball 46 times for 297 yards and all five Monarch touchdowns. His final touchdown sealed both the championship and his place in San Diego Section history, pushing his season total to 3,006 yards - surpassing the previous record of 2,974 set by former Mission Bay standout Dillon Baxter in 2009.
These historic moments almost never happened. After finishing the regular season with a 5-5 record that included several heartbreaking losses, Monte Vista was initially left out of the playoff picture. However, when Rancho Buena Vista opted out of their playoff spot, the Monarchs received new life as the final team in the bracket.
"Rancho opted out, otherwise we wouldn't be in. We were the 12 seed, we were the last team in the playoffs," head coach Ron Hamamoto reflected after the game. "Our kids just kept fighting. We had a couple one-point victories early on and we keep improving."
While Villanueva's historic performance headlined the victory, Coach Hamamoto emphasized the team's overall development throughout the season. "Our offensive line has really improved too. From where we came from from the beginning of the season to now, we just improved tremendously. And not only our offensive line but our defense also."
Villanueva, who also plays defense and returns kicks for the Monarchs, was quick to credit his teammates for the success. "It feels like an accomplishment for my whole team honestly. I couldn't do it without them," he said after the game. "I can't stop thanking my O-line, they did good man, my O-line just did it all."
The Monarchs' playoff run was nothing short of extraordinary, defeating the #4, #5, #1 and #2 seeds respectively en route to their fourth championship in program history. The team's underdog status served as motivation throughout the postseason. As Villanueva explained, "We were treated so underrated and we were just like, 'All right, let's just dominate in this playoff, show everyone that we could beat anyone.'"
The Monarchs' defense matched the offense's intensity. Randy Terrell led the charge with three sacks, while Daygo Rios Sanchez and Lakai Dean each added one, holding Bonita Vista to just seven rushing yards on 18 attempts. "This was our best performing defensive game in playoffs. We didn't really let them throw deep passes," Villanueva noted.
Monte Vista (9-5) now advances to the Southern California Regionals, while Bonita Vista concludes their season at 7-6.
From Winless to Champions: St. Augustine's Historic Division III Title Run
In one of the most improbable championship stories in San Diego high school football history, St. Augustine completed their remarkable transformation from winless regular season to CIF San Diego Section Division 3 champions, defeating San Pasqual 13-7 at Southwestern College.
The Saints' journey to this moment reads like a Hollywood script. After winning the Division 1 championship in 2023, the program underwent significant changes, parting ways with their head coach and watching several key players transfer to rival schools. Under new head coach Ron Caragher, the team endured a challenging 0-10 regular season before receiving the seventh seed in the Division 3 playoffs.
That's when everything changed. The Saints found their championship form at the perfect moment, stringing together four consecutive playoff victories to capture their second straight section title, albeit in different divisions.
The championship game showcased the Saints' resilience. They seized control early with freshman kicker Callen Moore's precision, converting field goals of 23 and 25 yards to build a 6-0 lead. The Saints' offense then capitalized on their momentum when Pai Polamalu punched in a one-yard touchdown run, extending the lead to 13-0 before halftime.
St. Augustine's defense completely shut down San Pasqual's ground game while allowing just 37 passing yards. The defensive masterclass nearly preserved the shutout until the game's final minute.
San Pasqual mounted a spirited comeback attempt in the closing moments. The Eagles orchestrated an impressive 83-yard drive, finally breaking through with a 13-yard touchdown pass with just 35 seconds remaining. After recovering their own onside kick at the Saints' 49-yard line, San Pasqual's last-gasp effort moved them to the 25 before time expired.
The victory serves as a testament to the unpredictable nature of high school football. Despite entering the playoffs without a single regular season win, St. Augustine's postseason transformation culminated in a championship celebration at Southwestern College. Their path from regular season struggles to playoff glory demonstrates that in high school sports, timing and resilience can overcome any obstacle.
As the Saints celebrate their second consecutive section title, their story will be remembered as one of the most unique championship runs in San Diego high school football history - proving that sometimes the most challenging road can lead to the sweetest victory.
Granite Hills Claims Third Straight Title Behind Turner's Masterclass Performance
Granite Hills capped off an unprecedented run of dominance in San Diego high school football, securing their third consecutive CIF San Diego Section championship as the second-seeded Eagles soared past top-seeded San Marcos 42-25 in the Division I final at Southwestern College.
Senior running back Maxwell Turner delivered a performance worthy of the championship stage, rushing for 220 yards on 29 carries and scoring five touchdowns. His final score, a 33-yard burst through the middle, put the exclamation point on both the victory and his remarkable 1,906-yard, 29-touchdown (33 total) rushing season.
The Eagles wasted no time asserting their dominance. On their first offensive play, quarterback Zach Benitez connected with Kyler Oberg for a 60-yard strike, setting up Turner's first touchdown run. The Eagles' defense then made their presence felt when their defensive tackle intercepted a screen pass, leading to Benitez finding sophomore Gage Spalding for a 67-yard touchdown strike.
San Marcos (11-2), whose only loss came during regular season play, showed their championship mettle by mounting a spirited comeback. After falling behind 21-0, the Knights clawed back through a Kreet Makihele touchdown pass to CJ Williams and a short scoring run by Tabari Lane following a fumble recovery.
Brady Pohl emerged as a dynamic playmaker for the Knights, contributing in multiple phases with 50 rushing yards, 64 receiving yards, and an electrifying 99-yard kickoff return touchdown. However, the Eagles' defense recorded three interceptions and limited San Marcos to just 58 rushing yards on 20 attempts.
Eagles senior safety Parker Vance recorded his section-leading ninth interception of the year.
Benitez complemented Turner's ground assault by completing 9 of 16 passes for 247 yards, with Lathan Fry hauling in four receptions for 76 yards. The balanced offensive attack proved too much for San Marcos to overcome.
Granite Hills (11-2), winners of six straight games, has now completed a remarkable championship progression, winning the Division 2 title in 2022, the Open Division in 2023, and now the Division 1 crown in 2024. The Eagles advance to the Southern California Regionals as they continue their quest for further postseason glory.
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