Friday, November 24, 2023
Today was Black Friday in America, a holiday for the many crazed Christmas gift shoppers who live amongst us, but not for the Contreras Clan.
Laurie had the house ready
for a Friday Thanksgiving Meal
We were joined by Michael, Vanessa,
Jacob and Mary for lunch
They had celebrated Thanksgiving yesterday at Vanessa's parents' home and were with us to further increase our waistlines this weekend.
As always, Laurie prepared a fantastic spread for us to enjoy.
After our wonderful lunch, Michael and Jacob joined me for the drive into the San Fernando Valley to watch another high school football game that this time kicked off at 3:00 p.m.
It would be the 42nd football game of the 2023 season that I've had the pleasure to attend.
Why this game you may be asking.
Simple really, after graduating from the University of Washington in December of 1969, I came home looking for my first job in the field of education.
My opportunity came in the form of a one semester, long term substitute Health Education teaching position at Washington H.S. One of their Health teachers was recovering from a heart attack opening up a spot for me starting in February of 1970.
I do not know exactly when the word Prep was added to their moniker but I do like the classy feel it gives the school.
I still have lots of good memories from that long ago semester on the Generals' campus located at the corner of 108th Street and Denker Ave. in Los Angeles.
Washington Prep H.S. first opened its doors in 1926. Since then the athletic program has brought home a total of 27 L.A. City Championship trophies including one in Track and Field during the 1970 season where I was the designated Third Place finish judge at all home track meets.
But, the Generals had never won an L.A. City Championship at any playoff level. It was time to JUST DO IT!
All of these positive thoughts led me to say . . .
Go Generals GO!
DIII Championship Game
at Birmingham H.S.
Washington Prep H.S. Generals
#2 Seeded DIII Team
Fifth Place in the Coliseum League
5 Wins - 8 Losses
vs.
Los Angeles Jordan H.S. Bulldogs
#4 Seeded DIII Team
Metro League Champions
10 Wins - 3 Losses
In the C.I.F.-Los Angeles City Section this is really a DIV game.
All 71 of the 11-man football teams from the City's 12 leagues are ranked based on a Power Rating system from #1 to #71.
At the end of the season, the best eight teams are placed into the Open Division.
Then the next 16 clubs ranked #9 to #24 are assigned to the DI playoffs.
The 16 schools ranked #25 to #40 are in the DII brackets.
Finally, the DIII playoffs are set up for the 16 teams ranked #41 to #56.
Thus, only 15 City teams do not make the playoffs from the 12 leagues, i.e., essentially just each league's last place team.
It creates a world where at the end of the regular season, a Washington Prep team that was 2-8, 1-4 in Coliseum League play good for fifth place in a six team league "earns" a #2 playoff seed in the DIII playoffs.
How was the regular season 7-3, Metro League Champion L.A. Jordan team only seeded #4 in these same DIII playoffs?
L.A. Jordan opened its doors in 1923 and has won two L.A. City Championships in their 101 year history. Both of those titles came in the "AA" Playoff Division in the back-to-back seasons of 1979 and 1980 under their legendary coach, Henry Washington.
Birmingham H.S. hosted the game,
they used to be the Birmingham Braves
Then political correctness forced the change to their current name, the Birmingham Patriots.
Above, on the Birmingham H.S. stadium press box, is their old Braves logo.
Below is the new Birmingham Patriots logo.
I like the subtle reminder/tribute
to their storied past in all sports
On to the DIII Championship Game played on an absolutely BEAUTIFUL day for American football!
Did you expect it to be any different?
The Generals, in navy blue,
returning a Kickoff
Washington Prep running the ball
here but their big plays came via
their big play air attack
Washington Prep Swing Pass
Enjoying the game with Jacob at my
side making all sorts of good insights
End of the First Quarter
L.A. Jordan - 8
Washington Prep - 6
The Battle in the Trenches
was as fierce as expected
The Bulldogs had a lot of success
when they ran to the perimeter . . .
. . . just like this
L.A. Jordan Toss Sweep Right
The Generals running a Counter play
The two teams were battling on every down in this highly competitive, entertaining game.
At the Halftime Break
Washington Prep - 14
L.A. Jordan - 14
A proud Generals alum
and, I'm guessing, stud linebacker
back in the day
The Second Half offered this
championship plaque to the victors
The Generals first play of the
Third Quarter was . . .
. . . a simple WR Hitch Route . . .
. . . that could go . . .
. . . ALL THE WAY!!!
A 60 yard TD play is a good way to start the Second Half.
The Generals don't have a tee?
Every Washington Prep Kickoff came with the ball on the ground and a holder.
It was patiently back to the
ground game for the Bulldogs
End of the Third Quarter
Washington Prep - 22
L.A. Jordan - 20
Jacob watching the Generals
about to score in the Fourth Quarter
Things were tight but it was
looking good for the Generals
A rare Bulldogs pass attempt that . . .
. . . may have left a mark on the
L.A. Jordan QB
In a wild final 12 minutes that saw the two teams score a combined 30 points, the Bulldogs made the plays they needed to win their third L.A. City Football Championship in school history.
The Bulldogs pushing across one
more TD at the end of the game
Final Score
C.I.F.-Los Angeles City DIII Championship
L.A. Jordan (11-3) - 42
Washington Prep (5-9) - 30
I was definitely disappointed for the Washington Prep faithful in attendance.
On to college football news . . .
The PAC-12 Championship
Game in Las Vegas is now set
Oregon is now 11-1 after their 31-7 beat down of Oregon State tonight that dropped the Beavers to 8-4.
The Ducks, in general, and their QB Bo Nix, in particular, are looking really good since their 36-33 loss to the Huskies in Seattle on October 14th.
But before the panicky sets in for that game next Friday . . .
. . . the Dawgs (11-0) need to take care
of business on Saturday in the
Apple Cup game vs. the always dangerous
Washington State Cougars (5-6)
It is going to be INTENSE
in Husky Stadium tomorrow!
GO HUSKIES GO!
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