St. Ignatius College Preparatory has secured its first state football championship, triumphing over Ventura with a score of 42-35 in the 3-AA final held on December 12, 2025, at Fullerton Union High School District Stadium. This victory marks a historic achievement for the San Francisco school, which had never previously reached a state title game since the California Interscholastic Federation (CIF) began holding state championships two decades ago.
The Wildcats, coached by JaJuan Lawson, celebrated their win in a lively atmosphere, highlighting the culmination of a remarkable turnaround after starting the season with a challenging 2-6 record. The excitement reached a peak as Lawson narrowly escaped a Gatorade shower from his jubilant players before they ultimately succeeded in drenching him in celebration.
Leading the Wildcats in this pivotal match were standout performances from Steve Malone, who scored two long touchdowns, and Caedon Afsharipour, who threw two touchdown passes and added another with his own legs. With this victory, St. Ignatius improved its overall record to 9-6 and became the second team from the West Catholic Athletic League to win a state title, following Sacred Heart Cathedral, which claimed the 4-A title in 2021.
Turning a Season Around
“This has been a journey since January 15,” said Lawson. “Enjoy this. Have fun. Y’all are state champs.” His leadership has been pivotal following the departure of Lenny Vandermade, who left for a coaching position earlier in the year after winning the Central Coast Section Open Division championship. Lawson, serving as Vandermade’s offensive coordinator before taking over, has now firmly established his influence on the program.
St. Ignatius advanced to the state championship game after defeating Monte Vista 17-13 last week. They began the Central Coast Section Division II playoffs as the top seed, overpowering Alisal 49-7 in the initial round. They then faced Menlo School, winning decisively with a score of 42-6, followed by a narrow victory over rival Sacred Heart Cathedral, finishing that match 24-21 to secure the section title.
The Wildcats had already achieved a significant victory against Sacred Heart Cathedral earlier in the season, winning 23-14 during the last week of the regular season. This win not only added to their confidence but also ensured their first seed placement in the Division II bracket.
As the celebration continued on the sidelines, the Wildcats reflected on their stunning transformation over the season. The team demonstrated resilience and determination, overcoming adversity and showcasing their growth as they claimed their place in history as state champions.
The victory symbolizes the hard work and dedication of the players and coaching staff at St. Ignatius, and it is a moment that will resonate within the community for years to come. With their impressive performance this season, the Wildcats have proven that anything is possible with commitment and teamwork.
