Beckman Coach Marcello Giuliano celebrates with his players after winning the CIF State Division 4-A South Regional against HIllcrest Saturday at Northrup Field. (PHOTO: Fernando M. Donado, For OC Sports Zone).
Notes on Beckman football going to CIF State Division 4-A final Saturday at 7 p.m. vs. El Cerrito at Buena Park High School …..
Not ‘smelling roses’
Beckman football football coach Marcello Giuliano was elated after his squad won a wild back and forth 46-40 game against Hillcrest Saturday night at Tustin in the CIF South 4-A Bowl Game.
The victory sent the Patriots (12-3) into the CIF state final for the first time in school history.
Asked by reporters what it meant to him, Giuliano said:
“I’m not good at stopping and smelling any roses, hopefully after this is all said and done, I will have that time of reflection.”
Giuliano did repeat a sentiment from the previous week when Beckman defeated Brea Olinda in overtime to win the CIF Division 8 crown, the first for the football program.
“Honestly, I don’t know what to say, I’m happy I get another week with my team,” he said. “No matter what’s going on, these are the best three hours of your day, being with the team.”
Beckman quarterback Noah Nam said he was happy for Giuliano.
“Even when the defense wasn’t performing the way it normally is, he rallies our team, offense and defense,” Nam said. “He’s an amazing leader day in and day out.”
Patriot leaders, again
Patriot leaders runnning back Makhi Czaykowski, Nam and running back Aidan Tran all had big games Saturday night, as they have all season.
“Those guys are just special, special high school football players, I’m really, really glad they’re on our team,” Giuliano said after Saturday’s game. “Makhi wasn’t 100 percent tonight, he battled and just had an insane game, and Noah Nam is just always cool under pressure and runs the operation so, so well.
“And Aidan Tran, and I think the kids will say the same thing, he’s the toughest kid on the team. At the end when you want those 10 hard yards, that’s your man.”
Tough opponent
El Cerrito (12-2), the North champion, advanced into the state final with a 20-16 victory over Menlo-Atherton. El Cerrito is from Contra Costa County in Northern California.
Final comment
Giuliano, the Beckman coach who also enjoyed his first CIF title, was asked by a reporter Saturday after the regional if he wanted to add any comments.
“Go Pats,” he said with a smile.
—Tim Burt, OC Sports Zone; timburt@ocsportszone.com
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