Scripps Ranch Coach Marlon Gardinera would have been in the spotlight on every college, NFL pregame or postgame show.
But Gardinera’s gutsy (crazy?) move did not go “national”, instead raising eyebrows and begging comment on a level just as significant to all involved.
Gardinera decided to “relax” his defense and allow Santa Clara Wilcox to score a go-ahead touchdown late in the fourth quarter of Saturday’s state Division II-A championship game at Mission Viejo Saddleback College.
Wilcox, which had battled back from a 21-0 deficit, took a 28-24 lead with less than two minutes to play.
“We backed off,” said Gardinera, according to Bodie DeSilva of Scoreboard Live. “I knew if we got our offense back on the field we’d be okay….”
The Falcons, behind 6-foot, 6-inch quarterback Jax Leatherwood, embarked on an 11-play, 80-yard drive that culminated with Leatherwood‘s 10-yard pass to Dean Paley for the winning touchdown and 31-28 victory with 31 seconds to play.
The touchdown pass was Leatherwood’s 52nd of the season, against two interceptions.
SECTION IS 3-0
Scripps Ranch’s and Cathedral’s 33-21 win over Folsom and Mater Dei’s 34-25 triumph against Modesto Central Catholic represented the first San Diego Section three-game sweep since state playoffs were resumed in 2006.
Cathedral and Madison won titles in 2016. San Diego teams were 1-2 in 2015, 2-2 in 2016, 1-2 in 2017, 1-3 in 2018, and 0-2 in 2019.
DOYLE GAINS
Cathedral’s Sean Doyle continues to move up the ladder in all-time wins.
Doyle’s 1-AA win over Folsom was the 221st of his 26-season career, moving the Dons’ mentor into seventh place in the San Diego Section, past Jim Arnaiz, Ed Burke, and Gil Warren.
Nine wins in 2022 would elevate Doyle to fifth. John Shacklett is next at 229.
Valley Center’s Rob Gilster now is third with 239 wins, edging the late Bennie Edens, who had 238.
Go to the “Football” menu on the website and select “”Coaches”, then scroll down to “Coach 100 Club” for a complete list.
HOW OTHERS SEE US
| TEAM | RECORD | CALPREPS | MAX PREPS | CAL-HI SPORTS |
| Mater Dei | 13-0 | 54.1 | 21 | 23 |
| Scripps Ranch | 13-1 | 44.2 | 55 | 55 |
| Cathedral | 12-2 | 70.8 | 5 | 8 |
| Carlsbad | 11-1 | 50.6 | 17 | 25 |
| Madison | 9-3 | 33.3 | 84 | On the bubble |
| Mission Hills | 8-3 | 44.3 | 39 | 42 |
| Helix | 9-4 | 43.8 | 43 | 23 |
| Lincoln | 8-4 | 43.2 | 44 | 26 |
And a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all the coaches, players, administrators, and fans who love the San Diego Section brand of football.
In 2016 both Cathedral Catholic and Madison won State titles.
Thank you. Sometimes I am my own worst editor.