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Captains (from left) Jake Minter, Jacob Martin, Cooper Cirillo and Matt Lopez represented Edison at the CIF Media Luncheon Monday. (PHOTO: Tim Burt, OC Sports Zone).
Edison High School’s football team is looking to bring home the program’s seventh CIF title when the third-seeded Chargers host top-seeded Simi Valley Friday night at 7 in the Division 3 finals at Huntington Beach High School.
Edison’s last CIF title came in 2016 when the Chargers, led by Dave White, defeated La Mirada 44-24 to capture the Division 3 crown.
Coach Jeff Grady’s team (9-4 overall) has had a memorable season. After finishing second in the highly-competitive Alpha League, Edison has notched playoff victories over North Torrance (24-0), Bonita (24-0) and Vista Murrieta (42-14).
Edison prides itself on defense. The unit has allowed under 200 points this season, has notched two shutouts in the playoffs and allowed just 14 points in the post-season.
“I’m more excited for the kids, they’ve earned the opportunity,” Grady said Monday at the CIF Media Luncheon at the Long Beach Marriott. “It’s not about me, that’s for sure.
“These guys will never forget it, just the experience in general, playing with their buddies. It’s a true team, guys playing for one another, guys who grew up playing with each other playing in Little League and AYSO soccer and Pop Warner football. A lot of these seniors, it could be the final run for them and they’re all doing it together which is pretty cool.”
Edison was represented by four captains at the luncheon: wide receiver/defensive back Jake Minter, wide receiver Jacob Martin, lineman Cooper Cirillo and linebacker/tight end Matt Lopez. who Grady said are “difference makers and high character guys who do it the right way.”
Lopez and linebacker Jeremiah Ross lead the Charger defense with more than 120 tackles each this season.
While Edison has been on a roll, the Chargers struggled out of the gate, losing their first two games.
“I think the great part is the players didn’t change at all,” Grady said. “That was encouraging. We came to practice and energy was high like nothing had happened, then they responded, it was great to see. It’s very rewarding as a coach when you go through weeks like that, then all of a sudden the guys bounce back and respond.”
Sophomore Sam Thomson, who took over for senior starter Savelio Niumata who suffered an injury, has stepped in at quarterback and has capably led the offense.
“He’s just very composed, for a young guy to be playing varsity football and he showed it last year as a freshman, is overall composure is impressive at the age and he’s been very efficient,” Grady said,
Simi Valley captured the Division 6 crown last year. The Pioneers, the co-champions of the Marmonte League, bring a 12-1 record into the contest.
Quarterback Tagg Harrison, who has passed for 2,580 yards and 21 touchdowns, leads the offense. Running back Brice Hawkins has rushed for 1,633 yards and 30 touchdowns.
The defense is led by Jayden Graham, who has recorded 138 tackles.
“I feel like the key is always up front on both sides of the ball,” Grady said when asked about the game. “It’s where it starts and that’s where it ends.”
Barring a last-minute change, Edison will be without its leading rushing, Julius Gillick, who was suspended for one game after receiving two unsportsmanlike penalties in the semifinal game. Gillick could return if the Chargers win and advance to the CIF Regional.
—-Tim Burt, OC Sports Zone; timburt@ocsportszone.com
