El Dorado Golden Hawks receive plenty of hometown support for CIF Division 7 final

El Dorado was represented at the CIF press luncheon by (from left) Athletic Director Ray Elliott, Tanner Fronaberger, Nate Bento, Isaiah Quintero, Mac Wolf, Walker Andersen, Mitchell Jones and Coach Zack LaMonda. (Photo courtesy El Dorado football).

El Dorado High School’s football team capped a week of practice in preparation for the game the Golden Hawks have been waiting for: the CIF Division 7 final with Mayfair Saturday night at Valencia.

The Hawks are looking for their first CIF title since 2007. Coach Zack LaMonda said his players have plenty of respect for Mayfair (10-3).

“Mayfair is a good team that have played some very tough opponents this season,” LaMonda said this week. “They are very solid on defense and have playmakers on the offensive side of the ball.”

El Dorado’s top offensive threats include quarterback Nate Bento, who has completed 164 of 276 passes for 2,368 yards and 23 touchdowns. Bento has also rushed for 925 yards on 115 carries.

JP Murray has rushed for 955 yards on 172 carries and Isaiah Quintero has rushed for 385 yards on 74 carries for the Golden Hawks (8-5).

The top receivers have been Lucas Raya, who has 40 catches for 675 yards, Nathan Meek, who has 46 catches for 535 yards and Xavier Cadena, who has 30 catches for 534 yards.

Top defenders include Mac Wolf (110 tackles), Blake Vinson (83 tackles), Charlie Murrillo (63 tackles), Tanner Fronaberger (56 tackles) and Robby Hagar (55 tackles).

It’s been an exciting week for the Golden Hawks, who welcomed back former players for practice on Thanksgiving day.

Fans are expected to pack Bradford Stadium at Valencia for the final.

“The community has been great, but they always have been great,” LaMonda said. “It is awesome to hear from past members of the 2006 and 2007 CIF championship teams from El Dorado High School.”

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