St. Ignatius High School made history on December 12, 2025, by winning its first state football championship, defeating Ventura 42-35 in the 3-AA championship held at Fullerton Union High School District Stadium. This victory marks a significant achievement for the San Francisco school, which had never reached a state title game prior to this season.
After starting the season with a challenging record of 2-6, the Wildcats rallied to finish the season at 9-6, demonstrating remarkable resilience and determination. The team’s success can be attributed to a combination of strong performances from key players, including Steve Malone, who scored two long touchdowns, and Caedon Afsharipour, who threw two touchdown passes and rushed for another.
Historic Victory for St. Ignatius
The celebration erupted on the Wildcats’ sideline as head coach JaJuan Lawson avoided a Gatorade shower in a moment of jubilation. “We worked since January 15 for this,” Lawson stated. “Enjoy this. Have fun. Y’all state champs.” His leadership has been pivotal in the team’s transformation after taking over from former coach Lenny Vandermade, who departed earlier this year after leading the team to the Central Coast Section Open Division championship.
St. Ignatius’s journey to the title began with a narrow victory over fellow Bay Area school Monte Vista, winning 17-13 to reach the 2-A title game. As the top seed in the Central Coast Section Division II bracket, the Wildcats continued their strong performance by defeating Alisal 49-7 in the first round, followed by a convincing 42-6 win against Menlo School. They later secured a 24-21 victory over Sacred Heart Cathedral in a closely contested section tournament final, marking their second win over the rival team this season.
Lawson’s strategic approach and the team’s hard work culminated in a thrilling championship game. The Wildcats became the second team from the West Catholic Athletic League to win a state title, joining Sacred Heart Cathedral, which won the 4-A title in 2021. The triumph is not only a testament to the players’ commitment but also a pivotal moment for the school’s football program.
As the players celebrated their hard-earned victory, they made sure to get Lawson with the Gatorade bucket on their third attempt, symbolizing the culmination of a challenging yet rewarding season. The Wildcats’ remarkable turnaround and their historic championship win will undoubtedly leave a lasting legacy in the annals of St. Ignatius football.
Fans and supporters can expect continued excitement as the Wildcats look to build on this success in the future, fostering a winning culture that inspires both current players and future generations.
