Colton, CA—It was never in question.
The Colton Yellowjackets are Skyline League champs. For the first time since 2009, the Yellowjackets stand atop the field after blowing out the Notre Dame Titans, 62-6.
“I’m very excited, very happy for the boys and all the hard work they put in over this whole off-season,” said head coach Ray Rodriguez about the team’s success. “It’s been a testament to them for all the work they put in since the season ended last year. I’m proud of that. They did everything. They did all the stuff that the coaches asked. Yeah, they did amazing overall as a team.”
This win also marks the first championship for Coach Rodriguez, who has been head coach since 2019.
The team is psyched about the championship, even if this week’s win against last place Notre Dame feels anticlimactic after last week’s first place showdown with Carter.
“It feels good to bring a league championship home,” said senior Ryan Villalpando.
“Man, I’m proud of the boys,” quarterback Koa Regalado said. “It feels great to bring a league championship back to Colton for the first time in 15-16 years–it’s something special.”
The blowout in this one started early as Colton scored on every possession of the first half, going into the break ahead 48-6. The defense even got in on the scoring by getting their first safety of the season.
As is becoming the norm, Regalado put together a stellar performance against a very challenged defense. The sophomore put up 166 yards and 4 touchdowns before hitting the bench to rest after playing a single series in the third quarter.
All night long, Colton put the ball in the end zone. Damian Sanchez punched his way through the defense for two touchdowns. Linemen Ryan Villalpando and Adam Sanchez both scored for the first time this season. And receivers Kyle Mejia, Kalvin Leon, and Cesar Loera all found the end zone.
Damian Sanchez wasn’t surprised by the outcome. “It was expected. The score was 62-6. It was expected.”
Now, the Yellowjackets prepare for their first-round CIF matchup, which will be next Friday night against the 5-5 Baldwin Park Braves at Baldwin Park High School. Game time is 7:00 p.m.
This season, they find themselves in CIF Southern Section division 11. Two years ago they were in division 13, showing the growth they’ve made over that period. They are in the same division as Grand Terrace High. If the two meet, it will be for the division championship on either Nov. 29 or 30.
Coach Rodriguez knows what has made this year’s Yellowjackets so successful. “It’s the team’s character,” he said. “I can’t say enough about that. They’re battle-tested this year. They’ve done a great job and it’s been a team effort. Everybody’s been getting after it. Everybody gets love.”
Skyline League Notes
Carter (4-1, 6-3 overall) def. Arroyo Valley (1-4, 2-8 overall) 42-0
Carter finished the season strong, defeating Arroyo Valley 42-0 on Oct. 31 to finish second in Skyline and secure a playoff bid in CIF Southern Section, division 12. Ryder Carson threw for 116 yards and two touchdowns in the victory. Junior Andre Thompson had a strong performance out of the backfield, running for 102 yards and a touchdown. The Lions will host Trinity Classic Academy on Nov. 8 at 7 p.m.
Fontana (3-2, 6-4 overall) def. Bloomington (2-3, 4-6 overall) 43-0
The Steelers ended their regular season on Nov. 1 with a decisive win over Bloomington, 43-0. The victory secured them a spot in the CIF Southern Section, division 12. Their stable of rushers had a field day against the Bruins, collectively rushing for 288 yards and four touchdowns. Rashawn Williams led the Steelers with 82 yards and two touchdowns. Fontana will be on the road at Mary Star of the Sea High in San Pedro on Nov. 8 at 7 p.m.
