PHOTOS: State title a perfect way for Garbers, Humphreys and Redman to finish at CdM

CdM quarterback Ethan Garbers celebrates after Saturday’s win. (Photos: Fernando M. Donado, For OC Sports Zone)

It figured that senior quarterback Ethan Garbers would be a major player in Corona del Mar’s final game of the season, the CIF State Division 1A championship game with Serra.

Was he ever …. with some help from a lot of his friends, including receivers John Humphreys and Mark Redman to help lead the Sea Kings to a 35-27 victory over Serra of San Mateo in the championship game at Cerritos College.

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Garbers threw four touchdown passes and ran for another while setting the single season CIF record for most touchdown passes (71). Garbers also set the record for most TD passes in a season and and most yards (more than 5,000) for the county in a season, according to the Orange County Register, which compiles county records.

The University of Washington-bound Garbers also had big numbers rushing (142 yards on 14 carries) and passing (256 yards).

“It was a great game, the defense played well, the offense played well we kind of clicked a little bit on O and it was amazing, we can’t complain, we just won a state championship,” Garbers said.

Garbers had to watch from the sidelines as Serra tried to get a potential tying score in the final seconds.

“We knew our defense would pull it out,” Garbers said. “All of us had faith in our defense. We knew they were going to secure it for us. “

Garbers was hard to stop on the ground in the first half, scoring on a 2-yard TD run while rushing for 139 yards in the first half.

“They tried to cover up for our great receivers and that left holes in the running game for me,” Garbers said. “We did that and we did our thing and we just balled out tonight.”

In the second half, Garbers focused on the passing game and threw for 146 yards and three touchdowns. He definitely found his rhythm in the second half.

“They started tightening up with the run so we decided, we’re going to throw the ball,” Garbers said. “We have the best receivers in the country and one of the best O-lines in the country, so we’re just going to throw the ball.”

Garbers had high praise for his receivers Humphreys, Redman and Bradley Schlom, who all had big nights. Humphreys had one TD catch and Schlom had two.

“They’re unbelievable,” Garbers said. “I’m going to miss John when he goes up to Stanford. I’m going to like playing against him. Mark is my guy, going to go to UW with him. I’m just super excited.”

Garbers, who leaves CdM with tons of school records, said the state title is special.

“I think the CIF title was just a little bit more wanted just because of what happened last year with Grace Brethren (a loss in the finals).” he said. “But this is great, state champions, can’t complain.”

Two teammates who were instrumental in CdM’s success all season, Humphreys and Redman, who also played on the defensive line, also had big-time efforts Saturday night.

“It’s bittersweet,” Humphreys said. “I’m sad that this is the last ride with my guys but this was the ultimate goal. I’ll do anything for one more game with them. But this is the ultimate goal, I’m just so happy. I’m happy to be part of this community, happy to be a part of this team. We did it. That was our one goal all year and we accomplished it, 16-0, never lost a game and state championship. It feels way too good.”

It seemed fitting that Garbers final high school touchdown pass was thrown to Humphreys, his great friend and the receiver that he has teamed up with so often in his career.

“That’s my guy. It will always be four and six (jersey numbers) forever, I know we’re going different paths but I love him. I had a blast catching from him the past two years and growing up. Just like a lot of these guys, I’m going to miss playing with all of them. But I’m so happy this is the note we left on. Our Coach O’Shea says leave it better than you found it and we’re definitely leaving it better than we found it, 16-0 and state champions.

“They came back at the end, but we just kept on fighting. They got an onside kick, but the second one we got and our defense came up big, Tommy Griffin with the pick to end the game. The defense played amazing, offense played great and the end result was a win and that’s all that matters.”

After Serra scored its final touchdown, another onside kick was recovered by Humphreys.

“I was just thinking about the next drive,” Humphreys said. “We had to get a first down and we didn’t come up with that. But our defense studded out for us and that was amazing.”

Humphreys said he was happy for Coach Dan O’Shea.

“It’s huge, it’s his first 16-0 season as a head coach. That man is like a second father to a lot of us. I would run through a wall for that guy. The love he shows for us, the care he shows for us. Yeah, he’s a great football coach and that shows, he just went 16-0. But more importantly, he teaches us how to be better young men. Yeah, football is great, we just went 16-0, that’s awesome but I think 32 seniors are leaving this program as better men and that’s what Coach O’Shea preaches. I love that guy, I’ll go to war for him.”

Another key player, Redman played a key role in the victory. Redman hauled in seven catches for 93 yards and also applied pressure on the final drive of the game when Serra had moved the ball to the CdM 20. Officials ruled the play an incomplete although the Sea Kings were hoping they would call it a fumble and give CdM possession.

“Obviously, we thought it was a fumble and we were really excited, but incomplete pass, we’ll take that, loss of down and it took about six seconds off the clock so everyone was happy about that,” Redman said.

Redman pointed out the team contributions.

“I’m just doing my 1/11th of the offense and defense,” Redman said. “Everyone contributes. It’s a great defense that lets me sack the quarterback. The O-line holding up so they can get the ball to me. Without all the 10 other players on the field, there’s no way we could get it done.”

Redman said he was playing for others too, including two friends who have died in the last two years.

“It means the world to us, these coaches have been putting it in since day one,” Redman said. “They got young kids at home, so we do this for them and we do this for the community. I do it for the people around me, and most importantly I do it for (two of his friends) Jack Elliot and Patrick Turner. They’re not with us anymore but this is why we’re out here every day, we’re grinding for them.

“They were close friends. Patrick I grew up my whole life (with) and Jack, I was fortunate enough to grow up at the same elementary school. It’s hard for us but we do this for them.”

RELATED: Photos and interviews from CdM’s win at state final

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