Foothill looks to continue ‘magical season’ with victory in Division 5 semifinals Friday

Foothill players and coaches after a game this season. (Photos courtesy Gary Cunningham and Alex Van Kouwenberg).

It’s been quite a post-season run for Foothill High School’s football team, which has won two games, including a 38-35 victory over Lakewood in the quarterfinal round of the CIF Division 5 playoffs.

The Knights (7-5) now gets ready to host Palos Verdes (7-5) Friday night at Tustin in the semifinals. The winner moves on to face the winner of the other semifinal between Summit and La Serna in the finals either Friday, Nov. 29 or Saturday, Nov. 30.

It’s the first time for Foothill in the semifinals since 2012. Foothill also reached the semifinals in 2011 and in 2002. In 2002, Foothill advanced to the CIF Division VI championship game, losing to Los Altos 27-10.

Foothill also went to the CIF finals in 1983 and 1981, winning the Southern Division crown under Coach Ted Mullen with a 35-28 victory over El Modena in 1981.

“This has been a magical season for the Knights,” Foothill Coach Doug Case said Wednesday. “We’ve had to battle through injuries and adversity, but the kids have stayed the course and fought each and every game. Truly a team effort.

“The Knights are excited to reach the semifinals and are ready for the challenge that a very good Palos Verdes team brings. We are determined to keep this going and play in the championship game next week.”

To see the slide show, click on the first photo:

Foothill's senior QB Gino Marchetti drops back to pass.

Senior running back Nathan Gouvion gains yards.

Nico Mancini of Foothill on a big gain.

Foothill's Brady Holcomb makes a tackle. No. 37 is Tavin Russell.

Foothill players meet after the win over Moorpark.

Case, now in his 25th season as Foothill coach, announced early this season that this would be his last year coaching the Knights. Case, one of the winningest coaches in Orange County, has led Foothill to nine league titles and 20 CIF playoff appearances.

Foothill had many players step up in the win over Lakewood, the coach said.

“Last week, we had great efforts by everyone,” Case said.

Wide receiver Nico Mancini had four receptions for 166 yards and three touchdowns, quarterback Gino Marchetti had 229 yards passing and three touchdown passes and running back Nate Gouvion rushed for 193 yards and two touchdowns.

On defense, Foothill linebackers combined for 34 tackles, Case added. Brady Holcomb had 12 and Taven Russell and Zach Schutt 11 each.

Foothill opened the playoffs with a 30-28 road victory over Moorpark.

Palos Verdes started the playoffs with a 16-10 victory over Brea Olinda before defeating Mayfair 27-13 in the quarterfinal round.

—Tim Burt, OC Sports Zone; timburt@ocsportszone.com