By Alex Gonzalez
(Covina) — South Hills capped a perfect 14-0 season Saturday night defeating the Oxnard Yellowjackets 23-14 in the CIF-SS Division 6 Final at Covina District Field. It was the Huskies seventh CIF Championship in school history.
“It feels great. I’m so proud of the work that was put into this thing because sometimes you can work hard but it doesn’t always pay off,” said South Hills Head Coach Matt Bechtel. “I feel like finally, all the work, all the time, all the effort, all the energy makes it worth it.”
To start, the South Hill defense, who allowed only 12 points in the postseason, was the first to put points on the board after Jordan Sanchez stuffed Vincent Walea in his end zone for a safety.
Less than two minutes later, the Husky offense added seven more when Khalil Ali found Steven “Bubba” Munoz in the flat for the 3-yard touchdown score.
Oxnard tried to rally back on their ensuing possession and was able to move the ball down the field, but with back-to-back 15-yard penalties the drive stalled and they turned the ball over when Walea tried to sneak his way for the first down with 11:20 remaining in the second quarter.
South Hills couldn’t capitalize on the turnover and gave the ball back to the Yellowjackets. Their defense, however, took matters into their own hands after Jorge Salinas picked off Walea’s pass and returned it for the score, extending his team’s lead 16-0 before intermission.
Just before the half, the Huskies had an opportunity to add six more to their lead but Juaquin Elliot fumbled the ball on the Oxnard four and it was recovered by the Yellowjackets. On the very next play, Walea dropped back and found JR Waters deep, who then outran the defense and gave Oxnard their first score of the night with 1:17 left in the quarter.
Following the break, the Huskies continued to add points in the third while holding the Yellowjackets scoreless. Elliot broke the game open when he found a hole up the middle and bolted for the end zone, extending the lead to 23-7 following the extra point.
Oxnard then got tricky in the fourth quarter when they executed a double reverse flea-flicker pass to Tanielu Lemalu who was alone in the corner in the end zone early in the frame.
The Yellowjackets defense was able to deny the Huskies more points in the final quarter but couldn’t find a way to cross the end zone due to South Hills doing the same on consecutive drives preventing any chance at a comeback.
“I’m so proud of my guys. We did what we were supposed to do, period.” Said Ali after the game. “Everyone on this team was all in, every single one of them.”
@Lol,
I’ll eat my crow but at least I was close lol
Maybe if it was posted on “high school football” instead of “high school sports” it bwould bget bmore comments.
Oh shut up Mr Bonita is going to win it all..
All you morons that think you need to come on here and congratulate your team are ridiculous. If I coached south hills I’d much rather have fans like these than the Los Altos of the world. I see nothing wrong with the lack of posting from south hills. They are champs and their play did the talking all season, congrats to them on all fronts….
@FB FAN: Showing support and appreciation after a big success is not talk or bragging. It is normal. Staying mum after a championships at a high school is not normal.
Take note, winners don’t need to talk
Word is, Bechtel is going to Damien.
Notice! Even with the public shaming and team going to state still not one SH parent or fan has piped up to talk about their team. Fans came on here to brag about Pioneer, Alhambra,So. El Monte, West Covina etc. All losers but they still get fan support. South Hills, undefeated champs going to state, Crickets. Bloggers far more interested in pointing out I’am a troll rather than facing the obvious truth. Tons of tickets available for Lawndale game.
Damn, I really hope “Educator” doesn’t work in the English department.
Well those SH teachers became popular for helping out students in “different” ways a few years ago.
This so called educator is a joke…..
It’s someone just trollin, don’t fall for it people. This person is worthless, so don’t give em a second of your time.
From T. Peterson: Yeah, I think you guys got duped.
Dang! Why so serious? Your schools football team just achieved something that’s really hard to do. Those players don’t get paid. Those coaches are making cents an hour, giving up pretty much there life to coach these kids. When your off on your holidays, and summer vacations, those coaches are out there in the beating sun with those kids. Show a little support. Your getting paid for doing YOUR job. If you don’t like it, do something else.
Educator, you get a paycheck.
Wah Wah Wah: Hey SH Coach. We teachers at South Hills don’t get candy and flowers for educating these prima donna football players either. Where is our rings?
Re-checking this story and wondering why the comments started stirring. If I may, congratulations South Hills, players,coaches and parents. You truly had a remarkable season that will last you a lifetime. Use the skills you learned like determination and accountability and teamwork. Those skills will last you a lifetime too.
I am a south hills fan ,have some family members on staff and players .Thats funny about how there is no buzz about them winning the ship but did not want to comment because I thought it would be karma ,so let it ride to a perfect season .Let the pads do the talking .
Lol… oh man! You aren’t kidding either. How about Montebello, Schurr, Los Altos, Arroyo?
Imagine if El Rancho or El Monte were going to state? This site would crash.
Lol that was pretty good. South Hills has had a great year, and still going. Congrats!
@SH coach, that’s not always the worst thing in the world coach, you could have fans like Los Altos… lol
It has been that way all year, very little fan support. Our rings will probably come from gum ball machines.
Maybe if you shame the coach and players for not winning by 6 TD’s you would get SH people to join in the conversation. Like El Monte and Arcadia bloggers.
Let the Bechtel to Damien, Upland…. begin
I too fret over the lack of reaction to this big win. Much love to all who made this historic season happen. PLEASE post pictures of the rings you guys are ordering!
Maybe if it was posted on “high school football” instead of “high school sports” it bwould bget bmore comments.
From T. Peterson: It’s right on the front page- first story. How could they miss it?
Don’t any South Hills fans look at the MVS site? No ups, no atta boys, no nothin? SAAAAD!!