BREAKING NEWS: St. Ignatius has made history as they capture their first-ever state football championship, defeating Ventura 42-35 in a thrilling showdown in Fullerton, California, on December 12, 2025. This victory marks a monumental achievement for the San Francisco school, which had never reached a state title game prior to this season.
The Wildcats, now boasting a record of 9-6, delivered a stunning performance after overcoming a rocky start to the season at 2-6. Coach JaJuan Lawson, who succeeded coach Lenny Vandermade this year, led the team through a remarkable turnaround that culminated in this championship win.
As the final whistle blew, ecstatic players celebrated wildly on the sidelines, with Gatorade showers punctuating their joyous moment. “We worked since January 15 for this,” Lawson proclaimed amid the chaos. “Enjoy this. Have fun. Y’all state champs.”
In a game filled with pivotal moments, standout performances from Steve Malone and Caedon Afsharipour propelled St. Ignatius to victory. Malone scored two long touchdowns, while Afsharipour threw two touchdown passes and added another rushing touchdown to his tally.
The Wildcats had previously fought their way through the playoffs, defeating Bay Area rival Monte Vista 17-13 just a week prior to the title game. St. Ignatius dominated the Central Coast Section Division II playoff bracket, starting with a resounding 49-7 victory over No. 8 Alisal, followed by a 42-6 win against No. 4 Menlo School, and finally a hard-fought 24-21 victory over No. 2 Sacred Heart Cathedral.
The emotional weight of this victory is underscored by the fact that St. Ignatius joins rival Sacred Heart Cathedral as the second West Catholic Athletic League school to claim a state title, further highlighting the competitive spirit of Bay Area football.
As the celebrations continue, the Wildcats reflect on their incredible journey from early-season struggles to becoming state champions. This victory not only marks a historic moment for the school but also serves as a testament to the resilience and determination of the entire team and coaching staff.
Expect further updates on this thrilling story as we delve deeper into the implications of St. Ignatius’ victory and their remarkable season. As the Wildcats bask in their triumph, the football community eagerly anticipates the impact this will have on future seasons and student-athletes in the region.
Stay tuned for more live updates and analysis from the championship game, including player highlights and coaching insights.
