Twelve seconds remained and Vista stood but 15 yards away from the tying score in the D-1 CIF championship game against Eastlake. Down 21-0 in the 3rd quarter, the Panthers clawed their way back into the game; both teams’ entire seasons boiled down to these final seconds. QB Christian Gallardi snapped the ball, rolled to his left, and tossed it towards the end zone. Qualcomm Stadium was silent as the entire crowd held their collective breaths.
With a tremendous leaping grab, Daniel Johnson intercepted his third pass of the game to secure the D-1 CIF Championship for Eastlake High School (11-0-2). The Titan’s 21-14 victory over Vista High School (10-3) brought Eastlake the school’s first ever CIF title.
Similar to last week’s semifinal game against Escondido, the Titan offense started sluggishly. But behind star running back and top college recruit Tony Jefferson, Eastlake found the scoreboard late in the 1st quarter. A 14-0 lead coming out of half was quickly enlarged by a 52-yard TD hookup between QB D’angelo Barksdale and WR Jordan Hines.
Read more and hear interviews with Tony Jefferson and coach John McFadden after the jump:
The Panthers, who hammered top-ranked La Costa Canyon 47-7 last week, would not go quietly. Down 21-0, Vista notched two quick scores and found themselves right back in the game.
But Eastlake’s biggest challenge wouldn’t come from the massive momentum change faced in the second half, rather from an injury from their workhorse. After a three yard carry early in the 2nd quarter, Jefferson left the game with an injured left shoulder. Apart from four plays to start the 2nd half, Jefferson remained on the sideline with his arm in a sling.
“I was expecting to play the whole game,” said the banged-up Jefferson. “But it didn’t happen that way.”
Coach John McFadden congratulates Tony Jefferson after the CIF D-I Championship game (619 Sports photo-Kyle Englehart)
“He will put a team on his shoulders and just take it,” said Head Coach John McFadden of Jefferson. “He was doing that tonight, and unfortunately one of his shoulders went out.”
Without the big play ability of Jefferson, the Titans would rely on a steady running attack and timely plays on defense. Running backs Daniel Diaz and Chris Fletcher filled Jefferson’s shoes in the most important win in the Eastlake football program’s 19-year existence, combining for 179 total yards.
“You can’t really replace Tony, but we just tried our best,” said Diaz. “The offensive line did a great job opening up holes.”
Stepping up on defense was senior DB Daniel Johnson. Two of his three interceptions came late in the 4th quarter, and prevented Vista from tying or taking the lead.
While Eastlake’s high scoring offense gets most of the attention, the Titan defense has played remarkably this year, allowing just over 12 points per game.
“Defensively Tony is one of the best players in the nation, and we don’t play him that often,” said Coach McFadden. “And that just shows you how good we are on defense.”
Tears of joy ran down the face of Tony Jefferson post-game as he took the moment in. Playing in his last high school game ever, the stellar senior RB/DB reflected on his progression at Eastlake.
“Every practice, every game I have gotten better. I have never stayed complacent with where I was.”
Not only was this Tony’s last high school game, it was the last home game he’ll play in San Diego, possibly even California. After recently deciding against UCLA, Jefferson is choosing among USC, Oklahoma and Michigan to play football next year. He’ll make his announcement on December 18th after he fully weighs his options.
“Wherever I feel more comfortable at,” responded Jefferson to where he’ll be this spring. “Wherever I can stay away from home and still actually feel at home.”
Whether home is in the camp of Pete Carroll, Bob Stoops, or Rich Rodriguez, one thing is for certain, Tony Jefferson will be dazzling us for years to come.
BONUS: CHAMPIONSHIP INTERVIEWS
Eastlake RB Tony Jefferson:
Eastlake head coach John McFadden:
