The 2025 football season concluded with the CIF state championships held across Southern California last weekend. Notable victories included Chico High School, which triumphed over Red Bluff to secure the Northern Section Division II title despite a challenging 1-9 record in 2024. Gridley emerged victorious in the NSCIF Division III championship against Orland, capping off an undefeated regular season. Meanwhile, Winters halted Hamilton’s perfect run, claiming the NSCIF Division IV title, and Redding Christian finished the season with an impressive 15-0 record, earning the NSCIF Division V championship.
In the CIF state bracket, Chico faced a tough opponent in the form of Bishop O’Dowd, ultimately losing a thrilling match 23-20. Gridley also encountered a nail-biter in the Division 6-AA semifinals, falling 28-20 to Lincoln. Conversely, Winters, moving down to Division 6-A, enjoyed a smoother path, defeating Morse 28-7 to clinch their championship. Redding Christian, after a close semifinal win against Middletown 22-18, secured their title with a solid performance against Woodbridge, winning 16-0. This achievement marked a significant milestone, as it marked the Northern Section’s two state champions for the season.
All-League Selections Highlight Top Performers
As the season wraps up, attention has turned to the All-League selections, which recognize outstanding players within the Enterprise-Record’s coverage area in Butte, Glenn, and Tehama counties. Coaches voted on these selections, with the following players earning accolades:
In the Eastern Athletic League, Titus Andrus of Pleasant Valley was named Offensive MVP, while Jaret Bridwell from Red Bluff earned Defensive MVP honors. Other notable selections included Zaiveon Patrick, Shamar Riley, and several standout players from Chico and Pleasant Valley.
The Westside League saw Luke Schager of Orland recognized as Offensive MVP, with Jason Davis of Gridley taking the Defensive MVP title. The league boasted numerous talented players, including Eli Punzo and Rafael Franco from Gridley, and several athletes from Orland and Las Plumas.
In the Sacramento Valley League, Lane Brown from Winters was named Offensive MVP, while Jayden Blackburn received the Defensive MVP award. The league also recognized several players from Paradise and Durham.
The Mid-Valley League recognized Kayden Strong from Hamilton as Offensive MVP, with Cesar Leal also from Hamilton earning Defensive MVP honors. The league’s Coach of the Year award went to Aaron Elliot from Hamilton.
The Northern Athletic League honored Dowan Stephens of Lassen as MVP, along with several other impressive players from Lassen and Shasta Cascade leagues.
Finally, the NorCal 8-Man League Division I and II featured standout players like Levi Cavalli and Hunter Stevenson, both earning MVP titles in their respective divisions.
As the accolades are announced, the focus shifts to the upcoming season, where teams will aim to build on their successes and strive for further championships. The All-Northern Section football teams, voted on by local media, will be released at a later date, promising to highlight even more remarkable talent from the region.
