St. Ignatius College Preparatory has secured its first-ever state football championship, defeating Ventura 42-35 in the 3-AA title game held on December 12, 2025, in Fullerton, California. This victory marks a significant milestone for the San Francisco school, which had never previously reached a state football title game since the California Interscholastic Federation (CIF) established championships two decades ago.
The Wildcats’ journey to the championship was nothing short of remarkable. After starting the season with a challenging record of 2-6, the team turned its fortunes around under head coach JaJuan Lawson, who took over after former coach Lenny Vandermade’s departure in January. Lawson celebrated the win with his team, dodging a Gatorade shower from jubilant players who were eager to celebrate their historic achievement.
Key Performers Drive Historic Victory
In a thrilling match, standout players propelled St. Ignatius to victory. Steve Malone scored two long touchdowns, while Caedon Afsharipour contributed significantly with two touchdown passes and a rushing touchdown. The Wildcats finished the season with an overall record of 9-6, solidifying their status as champions of the West Catholic Athletic League.
“We worked since January 15 for this,” Lawson remarked after the game. “Enjoy this. Have fun. Y’all state champs.” This sentiment reflected the hard work and dedication the team had shown throughout a challenging season.
St. Ignatius reached the championship game after a series of impressive performances in the playoffs. The Wildcats, who were the top seed in the Central Coast Section Division II bracket, began their playoff run with a dominant 49-7 victory against No. 8 Alisal. They followed this with a decisive 42-6 win over No. 4 Menlo School, and ultimately edged out No. 2 Sacred Heart Cathedral 24-21 in a closely contested section final.
A Season to Remember
In addition to their playoff success, St. Ignatius also secured a regular season victory against rival Sacred Heart Cathedral, winning 23-14 in the final week, which helped them clinch the top seed in the D-II bracket. This championship win further establishes the Wildcats as a formidable force in California high school football.
As the team celebrated their state title, the emotions were palpable on the sidelines. The players, who had faced adversity throughout the season, now reveled in the sweet taste of victory, a culmination of their hard work and resilience. The Gatorade shower that finally landed on Lawson was a fitting tribute to a season filled with challenges and triumphs.
With this championship, St. Ignatius joins the ranks of other successful schools in the area, including Sacred Heart Cathedral, which won the 4-A title in 2021. The Wildcats’ achievement not only highlights their growth as a program but also serves as inspiration for future generations of athletes at the school.
As the celebration continues, St. Ignatius football looks forward to building on this success in the coming seasons, aiming to establish a lasting legacy in high school football.
