The opponent was stronger – undefeated, in fact – but Brentwood’s football team treated Saddleback Valley Christian like the others in their CIF semi-final playoff game on Friday, November 30.
Despite being confronted by Brandon Chambers, a premier quarterback, Brentwood coasted to a 35-7 victory at a neutral site, Notre Dame High in Sherman Oaks.
As a result, Brentwood (12-1) will play in the Northeast Division championship game Saturday, December 8, also at Notre Dame High. The opponent in the 7:30 p.m. contest will be No. 1-seeded St. Margaret’s, which is 13-0 this season and has the longest winning streak of any high school football team in California with 27 in a row.
This season legendary prep coach Harry Welch took over the St. Margaret’s program.
Asked about the strengths of St. Margaret’s, Brentwood Coach Patrick Brown responded with one word – ‘‘everything.’’
He pointed out the team has a sound quarterback, a big and effective running back, and a defense that swarms to the ball, among other attributes.
However, as the No. 3 seed, Brentwood outplayed Saddleback Valley Christian, which was the No. 2 seed.
Once more, an opponent couldn’t penetrate Brentwood’s defense, which Brown says is one of the best in school history. And Brentwood made the big plays, including a 56-yard run by quarterback Mason Moss to set up the Eagles’ second touchdown and a 60-yard scoring run by Josh Amster.
Brentwood scored on its’ second possession of the game on a long drive and Ian Shaw’s two-yard run brought the lead to 14-0 at halftime.
Amster’s long run made it 21-0. Chambers led Saddleback to a quick touchdown, but Brentwood executed an 11-play drive to its fourth touchdown and then Amster scored again.
‘‘It was a great evening of high school football,” said Brown. “Both sides had large rooting sections. I didn’t heave a sigh of relief until the final five minutes because Chambers ran around and created opportunities for them. He was very good.”
Chambers accounted for more than 3,000 yards this season but Brentwood controlled him to some extent.
The reward for reaching the championship game is the elevation of Brentwood’s status to a new level. Only a small percentage of high school players can put this on their resume. Among the perks is a luncheon in Long Beach this week where Brown and several players will meet with the media.
