Brentwood had lost in the opening round of the CIF football playoffs. The season was over when Coach Patrick Brown addressed his players Friday night.
“There are 16 teams in the playoffs in our division and 15 lose,” he reminded them.“There is only one champion. Let’s focus on the success we had, the good things that happened.”
Brown, in his 27th year at the school, ranked this team with the most enjoyable he’s coached. “It was a privilege to coach this group,” he said.
The record was 8-3 but the season ended with a 14-6 playoff loss to Calvary Chapel of Murietta. Brentwood was awarded the home game but because the campus field doesn’t have lights the Eagles had to find another site. That turned out to be St. John Bosco High in Bellflower for the second straight season.
Brentwood trailed at halftime, 7-0. Evan Paley kicked a 32-yard field goal but Calvary Chapel scored again for a 14-3 lead. Paley kicked a second field goal but the Eagles were held without a touchdown.
Kevin Yamazaki played his final game for Brentwood. The star running back had a 70-yard gain in the first quarter but the play was called back due to offsetting penalties.
“It was one of those nights,” said Brown.
Asked if Murietta ranked with Brentwood’s opponents in the powerful Delphic League, including top-ranked Whittier Christian, he replied: “That night they did. They played an outstanding game.”Brown’s next venture will be softball. He guided Brentwood to the co-championship of the league last season with Marshall and one playoff victory.
