Edison and Portola get ready for CIF state football finals; full schedule of games

Edison and Portola football teams have begun preparations for the CIF State Football Championship Bowl Games in their respective divisions Saturday, two games part of a full schedule of games at Saddleback College, Fullerton High School and Veterans Stadium in Long Beach.

Both teams are competing in CIF state finals for the first time.

To see additional photos, click on the first photo:

EDISON CHARGERS

Edison (11-4) takes on Central Fresno (12-2) Saturday at 3:30 p.m. in the 1-A final at Saddleback College.

The Chargers, coached by Jeff Grady, got a big lift with the return of star running back Julius Gillick, who returned after serving a one-game suspension for two unsportsmanlike penalties in the CIF semfinals.

Grady said that Gillick, who rushed for three touchdowns in a 34-28 victory over Granite Hills, got right back to work last Tuesday.

“He had a great week of practice,” Grady said during a CIF State media zoom conference call with reporters Sunday.

Grady said Gillick was focused and put the suspension behind him with a great attitude.

The Chargers coach the players and coaches are enjoying the ride of what will end up a 16-game season.

“It is the longest season we’ve ever had,” Grady said. “It’s a tough sport and a very physical sport, but our guys are holding up well (along) with the coaches. It’s fun to be in this position.”

As for Edison’s opponent, Grady said:

“Obviously, they are real talented and physical and they fly around …. It will be a challenge for our guys.”

PORTOLA BULLDOGS

Coach Peter Abe’s Bulldogs (9-6) meet Arcata (13-1) on Saturday, Dec.14 at 7 p.m. at Fullerton High School in the 6-AA final.

“We’re super excited to be here,” Abe said. “You take your lumps early and focus on the process. We don’t know a lot about (Arcata). They’re a well coached team, they’re pretty physical up front and they have a pretty dynamic quarterback.”

Abe has been the Bulldogs head coach since the inception of the varsity program in 2018.

“The goal is trying to build a program that the community can be proud of and the wins will take care of themselves,” said Abe, a former Irvine High School football standout. “(The key) is trying to get everyone to buy in.”

Portola began the season going 0-5 in its non-league schedule before a big finish that included a CIF Division 11 title.

“Every week, we’re just trying to get better,” he said.

Portola came away with a dramatic 35-34 victory over King Drew Friday night in overtime in Wilmington. This week, the Bulldogs play closer to home at Fullerton.

Abe said it “is definitely a positive playing so close to home.” and expects his players to be well rested and ready for the challenge.

The Portola coach added this year’s team has about 50 players and he’s excited for the future of the program, noting the rapid growth of the Portola community and the support his players have received.

Championship schedule:

OPEN DIVISION

De La Salle (12-0) vs. Mater Dei (12-0) Saturday, Dec. 14 at 8 p.m. at Saddleback College.

DIVISION 1–AA                                                                                 

Pittsburg (12-2) vs. Lincoln, San Diego (11-2) Friday, Dec. 13, 8 p.m. at Saddleback College.

DIVISION 1–A

Central, Fresno (12-2) vs. Edison (11-4) Saturday, Dec. 14 at 3:30 p.m. at Saddleback College.

DIVISION 2–AA

Grant (11-3) vs. Pacifica (11-4) on Friday, Dec. 13 at 4 p.m. at Saddleback College.

DIVISION 2–A

Twelve Bridges (14-0) vs. Palos Verdes (10-5) Saturday, Dec. 14 at 11:30 a.m. at Saddleback College.

DIVISION 3–AA

Amador Valley (10-4) vs. Frontier, Bakersfield (10-4) Friday, Dec. 13 at 8 p.m. at Veterans Stadium.

DIVISION 3–A

Vanden (12-2) vs. Rio Hondo Prep (13-1) Saturday, Dec. 14 at 7 p.m. at Veterans Stadium.

DIVISION 4–AA

St. Vincent de Paul (13-1) vs. Highland, Palmdale (11-4) Friday, Dec. 13 at 4 p.m. at Veterans Stadium.

DIVISION 4–A

Sonora (12-2) vs. St. Pius X – St. Matthias (6-9) Saturday, Dec. 14 at 3 p.m. at Veterans Stadium.

DIVISION 5–AA

Carmel (14-0) vs. El Capitan, Lakeside (11-3) Friday, Dec. 13 at 8 p.m. at Fullerton High School.

DIVISION 5–A

American Canyon (12-2) vs. Palmdale (10-5) Saturday, Dec. 14 at 11 a.m. at Veterans Stadium.

DIVISION 6–AA

Arcata (13-1) vs. Portola, Irvine (9-6) Saturday, Dec. 14 at 7 p.m. at Fullerton High School.

DIVISION 6–A

Summerville (13-1) vs. Monte Vista, Spring Valley (9-5) Saturday, Dec. 14 at 3 p.m. at Fullerton High School.

DIVISION 7–AA

Moreau Catholic (10-4) vs. Lindsay (10-5) Friday, Dec. 13 at 4 p.m. at Fullerton High School.

DIVISION 7–A

Balboa (8-5) vs. Pioneer (10-5) Saturday, Dec. 14 at 11 a.m. at Fullerton High School.

Tickets for the game are only available through the GoFan app.

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

]