PHOTOS: Beckman captures win over Palm Desert, earns spot in CIF Division 8 final

Beckman quarterback Noah Nam punches through the line to the 1-yard line Friday night. (Photos courtesy Mark Bausman, For OC Sports Zone).

Beckman’s football team is headed to the CIF finals for the second time in school history.

The Patriots knocked off Palm Desert 28-14 in the CIF Division 8 semifinals Friday night at Tustin, earning a trip to the CIF finals next weekend at Brea Olinda, which defeated Irvine 28-12.

Palm Desert finished with a 9-4 record.

To see the slide show, click on the first photo:

Beckman players celebrate the victory.

Palm Desert middle linebacker Ty Wiltrout pursues Aidan Tran of Beckman.

Quarterback Noah Nam carries the ball and picks up yards for Beckman. Darius Pine of Palm Desert defends.

Beckman running back Makhi Czaykowski vaults into the end zone for a touchdown.

A pass intended for Spencer Theiss of Palm Desert is intercepted by Beckman's Xavier Musselman-Cano.

Beckman running back Aidan Tran carries the ball, Angel Rangel of Palm Desert defends.

Beckman wide receiver Sawyer Nickelson carries the ball, Angel Rangel of Palm Desert defends.

Palm Desert wide receiver Jonah Toland sprints into the end zone for a touchdown. Beckman wide receiver Ricardo Luna defends.

Fourth and inches, Beckman quarterback Noah Nam gets a first down.

Beckman Patriots get ready for Friday's game.

“I am unbelievably happy for these kids and the school,” Coach Marcello Giuiliano told OC Sports Zone late Friday night in a follow-up on the game. “This is a great group of players and coaches. We have our work cut out for us.”

Athletic Director Steve Fishel was also proud of the team (10-3).

“Our team has played good football and minimized mistakes in these high-intense games,” he said. “I’m also proud of the composure and discipline we’ve displayed on the way to the finals.”

Beckman was led by running back Makhi Czaykowski, who had three touchdowns and Zak Hazboun, who had one TD, according to Giuliano. Quarterback Noah Nam threw two touchdown passes.

Xavier Musselman had two interceptions and the defensive line had multiple sacks, the coach added.

Sawyer Nickelson had an interception for Beckman.

Beckman’s last appearance in a CIF final was in 2011 when the Patriots, coached by Ken Mushinskie, lost to Corona del Mar 14-13 in the CIF Southern Division final at Orange Coast College.

Beckman is part of the Tustin Unified School District and located in Irvine.

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