For the first time since 2016, Edison has captured their first CIF championship and the first one under head coach Jeff Grady. The Chargers were victorious over Simi Valley, with the final score being 35-21. This game wasn’t a disappointment, as there were explosive plays on both sides of the ball.
The game started as a defensive battle as both teams struggled to score in the first few minutes. Quarterback Sam Thomson quickly found his rhyme, leading his offense downfield. Midway through the first quarter, Thomson connected with Jake Minter for a 21-yard touchdown. Nico Bammer followed with the PAT. Edison was now up 7-0
Simi Valley was quick to respond, as running back Brice Hawkins capped off a drive with a 10-yard rushing touchdown to tie the game at 7-7. However, Edison wasted little time regaining the lead. Jake Minter found his way into the end zone on an 18-yard rushing touchdown. A few minutes later, Ayden Degiacomo caught a 35-yard touchdown pass from Sam Thomson. Going to halftime, Edison would extend the lead to 21-7.
The second half saw Simi Valley come out strong, with a 10-yard rushing touchdown by Hawkins narrowing the gap to 21-14. Edison quickly answered as Sam Thomson threw an absolute 70-yard bomb to Aiden Brown. Just before the end of the third quarter, Thomson ran his way into the end zone for a 9-yard rushing touchdown. Edison now entered the fourth quarter still maintaining the lead 35-14
Simi Valley still fought hard as Tagg Harssion threw to Brice Hawkins for a touchdown. None of this mattered, as Edison’s Defense was on top of business the whole night. Jack Knudtson and Conrad Barrera each had a pair of sacks. Nathan Stevens and Devyen Blake also combined for a sack. Even with an attempted onside kick, Jordan Palaez would recover it. All of this defense action made sure to capture the win over Simi Valley. Hence the saying “Defense wins Champion.”
Edison would finish the game, with the final score being 35-21, Making Edison the CIF-SS Division 3 Champions. Congratulations, Chargers—well deserved! The job still isn’t finished. Edison will now be heading into CIF State Regionals. They will now play Granite Hills at Cap Sheue Stadium for the first round.
