The 2025 football season has officially concluded following the CIF state championships held across Southern California last weekend. Teams from various divisions competed fiercely, with notable performances highlighting the resilience and talent of high school athletes.
Chico High School made headlines by winning the Northern Section Division II title, overcoming a challenging 1-9 season in 2024. In a significant match, they triumphed over Red Bluff. Meanwhile, Gridley celebrated their undefeated regular season by securing the NSCIF Division III championship against Orland. Winters, after halting Hamilton’s perfect season, was crowned NSCIF Division IV champions. Redding Christian finished the season with an impressive record of 15-0, claiming the NSCIF Division V title.
In state bracket action, Chico faced off against the eventual Division 5-AA champions, Bishop O’Dowd, narrowly losing 23-20 in a thrilling contest. Gridley also encountered a tough battle, falling 28-20 to Lincoln in the Division 6-AA semifinals. Winters, having moved down a division from last year, achieved a solid 28-7 victory over Morse. Redding Christian secured their place in history by edging out Middletown 22-18 in the semifinals before defeating Woodbridge 16-0 in the Division 7-AA final, marking a successful year for the Northern Section with two state champions.
All-League Selections Recognized
In conjunction with the conclusion of the season, All-League selections have been announced, highlighting outstanding players from various leagues. Coaches voted on the recipients, and the list includes several notable athletes.
From the Eastern Athletic League, the Offensive MVP is Titus Andrus of Pleasant Valley, while Jaret Bridwell of Red Bluff received the Defensive MVP award. Other standout players include Zaiveon Patrick and Shamar Riley from Chico, and Drew Van Nuys of Pleasant Valley.
In the Westside League, Luke Schager of Orland was named Offensive MVP, while Jason Davis from Gridley took home the Defensive MVP title. Key contributors from Gridley include Eli Punzo at quarterback and Rafael Franco at wide receiver.
The Sacramento Valley League recognized Lane Brown from Winters as the Offensive MVP, with Jayden Blackburn earning the Defensive MVP honor.
The Mid-Valley League celebrated Kayden Strong from Hamilton as their Offensive MVP, while Cesar Leal was honored as the Defensive MVP and Adam Simson as MVP Lineman.
The Northern Athletic League recognized Dowan Stephens of Lassen as MVP, along with Dathen Moore, who received the Offensive Player of the Year title.
Coaching Excellence Acknowledged
Coaching efforts were also recognized, with Aaron Elliot of Hamilton named Coach of the Year in the Mid-Valley League, and Gerald Piper of Redding Christian receiving the same honor in the Shasta Cascade league.
As the season wraps up, the anticipation builds for the upcoming All-Northern Section football teams, which will be announced by local media in the near future. The achievements of this year’s players and teams serve as a testament to the dedication and passion that drive high school football in the region.
