Chargers Charge Home with CCS Championship Title

13 hours ago4 min read

ByTeresa Sun Feb. 12, 2025

With the game tied late into the fourth quarter, the crowds were tense as the two teams huddled and got into formation. The stadium lights lit up the football field like a stage as the ball was snapped, reflecting off of their helmets as players darted around the field, their movements accompanied by the excited cheering from the stands. Suddenly, the spotlight shifted; the ball soared from the quarterback’s hands into that of a running back, hidden in the shadows of the backfield. Weaving through the opposing team’s defense, the running back burst into the endzone and the crowd erupted, even louder than before. Thanks to this late game strategy, the school’s football team was able to beat Sequoia High School in the last moments of the game and bring home the CCS championship title.

The school’s football team showcased a three-headed rushing attack led by running backs Hudson Vye ‘25 and Brady Hernandez ‘25, along with quarterback Jacob Gibson ‘25, which played a crucial role in their late-season success. In their championship game against Sequoia, Gibson threw a 76-yard game-deciding touchdown pass to Vye in the fourth quarter, securing a 27-21 victory and the CCS Division V championship.

During the second half of the game, the school found themselves losing 21-15 after countless passes were completed by Sequoia running backs Jordan Crockett V and Randy Nunez. But with the help of their coaches, the team adapted accordingly by substituting some defensive players and being more aggressive.

“We said at halftime we were not going to lose to Crockett or Nunez. Make somebody else beat us,” Kelly King Jr., Athletic Department, said.

This strategy worked beautifully, as the team held Sequoia scoreless over the final two quarters. They also intercepted Sequoia’s first possession of the second half before marching 91 yards of 14 plays, which tied the teams 21-21. After Vye’s touchdown reception, Sequoia was unable to come up with a big gainer like it did in the first half, and the school secured the win.

“After two tough seasons, a CCS title is what this program needed. It definitely meant a lot to me since it is my last year here. Our next generation of football is losing a lot of seniors, but I have no doubt the new team will be ready to get another title,” Kaleo Gonzalez ‘25 said.

This win marked Leland’s fifth section championship. The team finished the season with an impressive overall record of 10-4 and a conference record of 4-1, coming in second in the league. This was a major improvement from last year’s 4-8 record and 2-3 conference record, ranking the team fifth. One of the season’s standout moments was their triumph in Battle of the Den, which was especially sweet after last year’s loss.

But their victory at CCS was the most significant milestone for the team, marking their first title in over four decades with their last championship win occurring in 1972. The season ended with a tough loss at Nor-Cal regionals, but the team’s spirit remained unbroken. The championship win, despite the Nor-Cals defeat, was a major accomplishment and source of pride for the team and their fans. Many players agreed that the close team connections were a main difference between the two seasons, which improved morale and kept people motivated to do better.

“Most of the team was made up of seniors, so we had to get our boys a ring in their final year. I am very glad we got to play together as a team and build a connection with everyone throughout the season. The friendship that we created with each other was definitely a key reason why we were so successful this season,” Isaac Bybee-Del Real ‘27 said.

The younger players also cite their desire to win CCS championships for their senior team members drove them to train harder than previous seasons, their common interest forging strong bonds within the team. Unfortunately, with the season over, many seniors will bid farewell and leave their spots empty on the field.

“This year, the whole team grew much closer as a whole, and not just the players. The coaches connected with the players much better and team communication greatly improved. The previous season, we had come off a pretty bad loss, so we spent the offseason building off of that newfound dedication to do better. It felt cathartic to have our hard work pay off and to finally bring home a championship win after over twenty years,” Philip Arsintescu ‘26 said.

The players and coaches are already setting their sights on next season, eager to build on the momentum of their championship-winning performance. With their impressive record and undeniable growth as a team, it is highly likely that they will move up a division, presenting new challenges and opportunities to prove themselves on an even bigger stage. Every grueling practice, every hard-fought game, and every lesson learned along the way has shaped them into a stronger, more unified team. With their newfound teamwork and drive, the future of the school’s football team looks promising.