Brea Olinda Wildcats excited to be back in CIF finals for match-up against Beckman

Brea Olinda Coach Justin Villasenor with some of his top players (from left) Luke Carren, Ryan Nero, Gavyn Nicholson and Carson Tracey at Tuesday’s CIF press conference at The Grand. (PHOTO: TIm Burt, OC Sports Zone).

Brea Olinda’s football team is out to capture the sixth CIF title in school history when it faces Beckman Friday night at 7 in the Division 8 championship game at Brea Olinda.

“It’s a special game for us, we haven’t been back in (the finals) in about seven years,” said Coach Justin Villasenor. “Beckman is a good school, you can tell they’re well coached and they will be prepared. It’s going to be a challenge but I think our guys are up for it.”

Brea Olinda, 10-3, is riding a four-game winning streak after finishing second in the Kappa League.

The Wildcats are making their first appearance in the finals since 2018 when the team lost to San Gorgonio 21-17 in the Division 9 championship game.

Brea Olinda is led by quarterback Gavyn Nicholson, who has passed for almost 1,200 yards and rushed for 14 touchdowns. Running back Kolotolu Liti has 14 rushing touchdowns. Nolan Santana leads the Brea Olinda defense with more than 100 tackles and 11 sacks.

Brea Olinda was represented at the CIF press luncheon Tuesday by captains defensive lineman Luke Carren, wide receiver/free safety Ryan Nero, wide receiver/outside linebacker Carson Tracey and Nicholson, the quarterback.

“They were voted upon by their peers earlier in the year, they are guys we rely on to make plays during the game but to also lead our team on and off the field, they are a good representation of Brea (Olinda) and who we want to be,” Villasenor said.

Villasenor said the team’s goal before the seaason wasn’t to reach the CIF final.

“Off-season was a big thing,” he said. “We wanted to get bigger, stronger, faster,” he said. “And just kind of take care of the little things and we took it week by week. We upped our pre-season playing some tougher opponents so it kind of challenged us. I think that kind of paid off for us in the playoffs. Our guys are battle tested and we’re ready to go.”

Villasenor expects a battle from Beckman (10-3). The Patriots, coached by Marcello Giuliano, come into the game on a nine-game winning streak. Beckman is looking to secure the first CIF title for the program.

“The key for us has always been up front,” he said. “We’re physical and we want to run the ball. They have a lot of playmakers on their team so limiting their guys and just playing mistake free football. It kind of helps that we’re at home, that’s a plus. Our guys always get up for the home games. If we play physical and limit our mistakes, I think we will be fine.”

Brea Olinda reached the finals with victories over Mary Star (21-12), St. Monica Prep (41-28) and Irvine (28-12).

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