DIVISION 13: Esperanza looks to cap turn-around season with CIF title Saturday

Esperanza football players charge out onto the field for a game this year. (Photo courtesy Esperanza football, For OC Sports Zone)

It’s been a memorable first season for Esperanza High football coach Wes Choate, who leads his Aztecs into the CIF Division 13 championship game Saturday night at 7:30 against Ramona at Ramona.

Esperanza (9-4) received an at-large berth out of the North Hills League after finishing 1-9 overall the past three seasons.

“We’ve had a strong season; our three losses coincided with our quarterback Nate Nadeau suffering a knee injury and being out for three weeks,” said Choate. “I think those three weeks, though we lost them, brought the team more together and forced us to depend on each other and focus on the small things.

“Two of those losses were by a total of eight points. Since then we’re about as healthy as a high school team playing 14 games can be. So far we’ve had a championship caliber week of practice and that’s what we’ll need to beat a tough, well coached Ramona team.” 

Choate said the defense has led the way for the Aztecs.

“Not enough has been said about our defense this year,” he said. “Through week six, we were top five in the state in interceptions led by senior corner Coby Hoke and our middle linebackers (Cody) White and (Alex) Lopez have a combined 40 tackles for loss.

“Our defense held Inglewood to only 163 yards passing (in the semifinals) which is incredible in its own right. So think offensively and defensively we’re peaking at just the right moment and I’m excited for Saturday night. Ramona’s going to get our best and hopefully that will be enough to bring a championship back to a program and school that badly need the return of a strong tradition of excellence.”

Running back Walter Goodling has rushed for 2,280 yards and 23 touchdowns for the Aztecs, who defeated Inglewood 42-41 in the semifinals last week. Wide receiver Roshawn Lacy has 1,025 receiving yards and 15 touchdown catches.

Esperanza is aiming to bring home its fourth CIF title while Ramona is trying to win its third.

Running back Donte Roby Jr. has rushed for more than 1,300 yards and 20 rushing touchdowns and Kevin Sanders has 10 rushing touchdowns.

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