Varsity football team wins the CIF Championship game
The NPHS stands went wild on Friday, Nov. 22 as the football team took home the win against Yorba Linda High School in the CIF semifinals: 14-20. After coming together during halftime, the varsity team was able to turn the game around so that they could continue on to the final game, with applauded plays including a 46-yard catch, multiple fourth-down stops and interceptions.
Drew Cofield, senior cornerback and wide receiver, was thankful for his teammates and the amazing experience. “After regrouping after halftime we were able to pull together and play our normal football. Myself and my teammates were able to make key plays in the game that swung the momentum to our side,” Cofield said.
As emotions ran high, the players were anxious and excited for the game as they had prepared for all week in practices. The team expected the challenge and knew winning would not be easy, which helped them stick together and power through, even when odds were against them. Bohdie Ing, senior kicker, took practice seriously and gave it his all in order to help the team succeed. “The coaches put a lot of effort into connecting with the team on and off the field. We watched film all week and had long, mental practices,” Ing said.
Although they were down 14-0 early in the game, the team was pulled through in order to tie, and eventually win 31-28 in the last couple minutes of the game. The team was thrilled to see results from time-consuming, strenuous practices. “Winning this is important to me because it is a goal of mine. Being able to see success in all the hard work is important for growth as well,” Ing said.
Kayin Booker, senior and running back, took the time to not only study the other team’s film, but to also study his own games to see what he needs to improve on. “Winning CIF is important to me because my dad has three rings and I feel it right for me to have at least one,” Booker said.
After having not lost a single game, winning CIF was a great continuation to their season. No other team in the county has had a perfect record and won a D2 championship along with it. Winning took a lot of hard work and determination, but when the team played, and fought hard, they were able to make plays and win the game. “Winning CIF was important to me because my team means everything to me. We were constantly doubted all year and it felt amazing to win the championship with a group of teammates that would put it all on the line for me every play. I didn’t just win this game for myself, but for my teammates and everyone who was supporting us,” Cofield said.
