Woodbridge QB Waylon Stone wins autographed football of LA Chargers star at CIF luncheon

Woodbridge quarterback Waylon Stone shows his raffle prize from Tuesday’s CIF press luncheon. Teammates included Jalen Webb (left) and Larry Lloyd. (PHOTO: Tim Burt, OC Sports Zone).

Coming off the best game of his varsity high school football career Friday night, Woodbridge’s freshman quarterback Waylon Stone kept winning Tuesday at the CIF media luncheon at The Grand in Long Beach.

Stone, who led his team to a 24-21 victory over top-seeded Saddleback in the semifinals that lifted the Warriors into Friday’s CIF Division 13 final against Montebello, was the raffle winner of an autographed football by Los Angeles Chargers linebacker Khalil Mack.

The Warriors signal-caller didn’t show much expression as he looked at his ticket and realized he had won, then went up to the front of the room to claim his prize. Stone’s teammates seemed happy for him but were also undoubtedly hoping to take the prize after narrowly missing out.

Coach Connor McBride gave Stone a fist pump.

“Honestly, I am just excited to still be playing football with my brothers,” Stone said when asked his reaction to winning the football. “Then, getting invited to an event like that was a once in a lifetime opportunity. It was a privilege to be around all of those great teams and athletes.

“Winning the raffle and getting a signed Chargers football by a future hall of famer like Khalil Mack was icing on the cake.”

Stone’s father, Shea, was also excited when he was informed about his son winning the prize.

He said his son’s favorite NFL team is the Green Bay Packers. Shea Stone was also a quarterback at Woodbridge. He graduated from the school in 1993 and played four years of football for the Warriors including 1991 and 1992 on the varsity.

All of the teams in this week’s CIF finals were at the event. Players from each team were introduced and media members from Southern California outlets, including OC Sports Zone, conducted interviews.

Los Angeles Chargers general manager Joe Hortiz was guest speaker and later greeted players and coaches.

Woodbridge plays at Montebello Friday night in the final.

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