Sonora Claims Historic CIF State Championship

Long Beach, California – In an impressive display of power football, Sonora High of Northern California dominated the field with a stunning 52-34 victory over St. Pius to secure their first-ever CIF State Division 4A championship on Saturday night at Veterans Stadium. The Wildcats showcased an unyielding running game, racking up an astounding 362 rushing yards while managing to pass only four times throughout the game.

Starting strong, Sonora quickly took the lead, scoring within just three plays on their opening drive. Quarterback Eli Ingalls led the charge, completing three of his four attempts for a total of 153 yards and throwing two touchdown passes. The lone incomplete pass occurred during a trick play attempt when running back Cash Byington took a shot down the field.

The running game resembled something you might see in a video game, with standout performances from multiple players. Tommy Sutton was a force on the ground, gaining 161 yards on 21 carries along with one touchdown. Ingalls also made his presence felt with 64 rushing yards and a touchdown. Meanwhile, Byington added 103 yards and two touchdowns on 17 carries, making it a well-rounded effort from the running back unit.

Overall, Sonora finished the game with 59 carries and found the end zone on eight of their ten possessions, only opting for a field goal once and punting just once. This championship triumph ends the season for Sonora with an impressive record of 13-2, while St. Pius concludes their year at 6-10, having made a remarkable playoff run after starting the season with only one win.

This victory marks a significant achievement for Sonora High, as they etched their name in history by winning their first state championship in the program’s history.