The St. John Bosco High School football team made history on Saturday as they captured the CIF Division I state championship. The Braves, led by their head coach Jason Negro, defeated San Ramon Valley High School with an impressive 17-point first-quarter lead and held off their opponent’s fierce comeback attempts to seal their victory.

The game started off with an electric atmosphere as fans from both schools filled the stadium, eager to see which team would come out on top. From the very first play, it was clear that St. John Bosco was determined to make a statement. Quarterback DJ Uiagalelei wasted no time and threw a long pass to wide receiver Josh Delgado for a 45-yard touchdown, setting the tone for the rest of the game.

The Braves’ defense was equally dominant, shutting down San Ramon Valley’s offense and preventing them from gaining any momentum. Linebacker Kourt Williams was a force to be reckoned with, making crucial tackles and putting pressure on the opposing team’s quarterback.

St. John Bosco’s offense continued to display their speed and precision, with running back George Holani scoring a touchdown on a 10-yard run. The Braves clearly had the upper hand as they went into the second quarter with a 14-0 lead.

But San Ramon Valley refused to back down and fought back hard in the second quarter. They managed to score a touchdown and a field goal, cutting the Braves’ lead to just four points. However, St. John Bosco’s defense remained resilient and did not allow their opponents to gain any more ground.

With only a few minutes left in the first half, the Braves’ offense stepped up once again. Uiagalelei showed off his impressive arm strength and accuracy, connecting with wide receiver Jake Bailey for a 32-yard touchdown pass. The Braves went into halftime with a 21-10 lead, but it was clear that they couldn’t let their guard down as San Ramon Valley was determined to come back.

The second half was a battle between two equally skilled teams. Both sides traded touchdowns, with Uiagalelei showing off his running abilities and scoring a touchdown of his own, while San Ramon Valley’s quarterback Clark Baker threw two touchdowns to keep his team in the game.

The fourth quarter was filled with tension as San Ramon Valley continued to chip away at the Braves’ lead. But St. John Bosco’s defense rose to the occasion, making key stops and keeping their opponents at bay. With just two minutes left, the Braves’ offense took over and ran out the clock, securing their victory and claiming the Division I state championship.

Head coach Jason Negro could not hide his emotions as he hugged his players and celebrated with his coaching staff. For the Braves, this was not just a victory, but the culmination of months of hard work, dedication, and determination.

The team’s star quarterback Uiagalelei was named the game’s Most Valuable Player, and rightfully so. He finished the game with 248 passing yards and two touchdowns, as well as 123 rushing yards and one touchdown. But Uiagalelei was quick to credit his teammates for their success. “I couldn’t have done it without my offensive line and my receivers,” he said in a post-game interview.

Defensive back Chris Steele also had a standout performance, with an interception and several key tackles that helped keep San Ramon Valley’s offense in check. “This win is a testament to our hard work and brotherhood,” Steele said. “We never gave up and trusted each other, and that’s what got us this win.”

The St. John Bosco football team’s journey to the state championship was not an easy one. They faced tough opponents throughout the season and had to overcome injuries and setbacks. But they never wavered in their belief in each other and their determination to bring home the title.

The Braves’ victory is not only a celebration for the school and their fans, but it is also a source of inspiration for all young athletes. It shows that with hard work, dedication, and a strong bond, anything is possible. The future looks bright for St. John Bosco, and their state championship win will be remembered for years to come. Congratulations to the Braves on making history and being crowned CIF Division I state champions!