In a thrilling showdown at Saddleback College in Mission Viejo on Saturday, December 14, 2024, Edison's football team etched their name in history with a remarkable CIF State Division 1-A championship. The game was a nail-biter, with Edison emerging victorious over Fresno Central High.

Key Moments and Players

Game-Winning Touchdown by Jake Minter

With just 20 seconds remaining in the game, Sam Thomson connected with Jake Minter on a 54-yard touchdown pass. Minter, with his quick cuts and the help of Ayden DeGiacomo's block, ran over 40 yards to secure the game-winning touchdown. It was a moment of pure elation for the Edison team. "I really didn't think I was going to score. I saw a couple defenders over-pursuing and made those quick cuts. It was an amazing feeling," said Minter.The play was a result of a well-executed offensive strategy. "We called it earlier in the game and we hit Minter earlier and it was there. We start practice every day with that same two-minute drill but without the timeouts," explained Edison coach Jeff Grady.

Defensive Stand and Key Players

Edison's defense played a crucial role in securing the victory. Defensive lineman Devyn Blake had a sack and a pass deflection in the final drive, and a group of tacklers made a stop at midfield to end the game. Jeremiah Ross and Blake also had sacks, showing their dominance on the defensive line.Minter and linebacker Matt Lopez each had seven tackles, demonstrating their tenacity and commitment on defense. "Being able to do it with all these guys, all my brothers that I've been with for four years, it's surreal," said Minter.

Julius Gillick's Impressive Performance

Julius Gillick led Edison with 129 yards and two rushing touchdowns. He finished his senior season with a school-record 2,494 rushing yards, breaking a record previously held by Kerwin Bell in 1979. His ability to break tackles and gain yardage was a key factor in Edison's offensive success.

Defensive Stand in the Second Half

Edison's defense shut out Central in the second half. They stopped Central on late downs, converting just two of six third-down attempts and just one of four fourth-down attempts. This defensive prowess was a key factor in securing the championship. "We just played good, collective team defense. That's what we've been doing. Everybody stepped up when it mattered most," said coach Grady.Edison's journey to the championship was not easy. They beat Simi Valley in the CIF Southern Section Division 3 championship and Granite Hills of El Cajon in the Division 1-A South Regional final last week. Each win brought them one step closer to this historic moment.In conclusion, Edison's victory in the CIF State Division 1-A championship was a result of the collective efforts of the entire team. From the offensive stars to the defensive standouts, every player played a crucial role in making this dream a reality. It was a day that Edison will remember for years to come.