Watsonville Wildcatz Roll Towards State Championship with Hometown Sendoff
The Watsonville High boys soccer team received a memorable sendoff Saturday morning as they departed for Sacramento to compete in the California Interscholastic Federation State Division III championship. A police escort guided the newly crowned Northern Regional champions through downtown Watsonville, signaling the significance of this historic moment for the school and community.
A Historic Run to the Championship
The Wildcatz, now ranked No. 5 in California and No. 19 nationally, will face the Southern Regional champion Los Alamitos at Natomas High School on Saturday with a 3 p.m. Kickoff. This marks the first-ever CIF State Championship appearance in the program’s history. Watsonville’s journey to the championship included a 3-1 victory over University in the NorCal Regional finals on Feb. 7.
Hedgpeth’s Legacy Continues
Longtime head coach Roland Hedgpeth, an 11-time Central Coast Section champion, has led the ‘Catz to unprecedented success this season. The team secured their 13th section championship with a penalty kick shootout victory over Mitty on Feb. 28. Despite a recent three-year stretch of losing seasons, Hedgpeth guided the team to a remarkable turnaround.
Matchup Analysis: Wildcatz vs. Griffins
Los Alamitos is currently ranked No. 123 in California, according to MaxPreps. The Wildcatz enter the match with a 21-1-2 record and a 20-game unbeaten streak. Watsonville’s offensive prowess, averaging 3.3 goals per game this season, will be a key factor in the championship game.
Key Players to Watch
Diego Guillen leads the Wildcatz offense with 24 goals this season. Juniors Justin Alfaro and Damien Moreno also provide significant scoring threats. On the defensive end, senior goalkeeper Adrian Fernandez anchors a strong defense that has recorded 11 shutouts and allowed only one goal in nine games.
FAQ
Q: Where is the championship game being played?
A: Natomas High School in Sacramento.
Q: What time does the game start?
A: 3:00 p.m. On Saturday.
Q: What is Watsonville’s record this season?
A: 21-1-2.
Q: Who is Watsonville’s head coach?
A: Roland Hedgpeth.
Q: Has Watsonville ever won a NorCal championship before?
A: No, this is their first NorCal championship in program history.
Did you know? This is Coach Hedgpeth’s 13th CCS title with the program.
Pro Tip: Follow live updates and streaming options on platforms like YouTube for real-time coverage of the championship game.
Stay tuned for further updates and coverage of the CIF State Division III Championship!
