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Valencia football coach Jason Gray entered this season believing his Tigers had a chance to win every one of their regular season games.
They got close, finishing 9-1.
Valencia hasn’t slowed in the playoffs. The second-seeded team in CIF-SS Division 7, the Tigers have collected two more victories, including a thrilling 17-16 victory in the quarterfinals at Grand Terrace on Friday.
The Empire League champion isn’t flashy or loaded with major collegiate recruits but Gray has little trouble explaining their success and his confidence.
“It’s the way they prepare and they’re really tough,” he said after Monday’s practice for a semifinal showdown this Friday against visiting San Jacinto (11-1). “It’s really hard to win 10 games in a row.”
That’s how many victories Valencia (11-1) has rattled off since a 20-14 loss against Yorba Linda in late August. It’s longest active winning streak in Orange County and has the Tigers in the semifinals for the first time since 2005.
Valencia’s grit was on display at Grand Terrace.
Senior Augustin Barajas booted a season-long 40-yard field goal with 17 seconds left for the victory. Quarterback Shaun McHale helped spark the drive with a 35-yard run.
On the ensuing kickoff, Cole Johnson forced a fumble that Jacob Perreira recovered to seal the victory.
Valencia’s Cade Caffrey was another symbol of toughness.
The senior, who suffered a season-ending knee injury early last season at Sunny Hills, caught a 44-yard TD off a double-pass from in the fourth quarter to give the Tigers a 14-10 lead. Wide receiver Michael Garcia threw the touchdown.
Caffrey, who transferred back to his neighborhood school, was first excited to help his team but the touchdown held special significance because of his road back from injury.
“That was a crazy moment,” he said. “It was really tough for me (being injured).”
Elijah Oropeza also showed his determination. Slowed by injuries much of the season, the promising junior scored the Tigers’ first points on a touchdown.
“I was really proud of our kids,” Gray said. “The kids were real gritty.”
Gray’s said his players’ diligent practice habits have helped them to prepare well.
The secondary might be the team’s most prepared group. The unit of corners Garcia and Dane Watkins and safeties Joshua Carrera and Paul Flejter have combined for 14 of the defense’s 17 interceptions.
Watkins recorded a crucial interception against Grand Terrace.
But when it comes to Valencia football, coaching is always a major factor, too.
The program build by legendary coach Mike Marrujo still carries on his principals. Gray, defensive coordinator Luis Garcia, defensive back coach David Quintero and quarterback coach Luis Cruz played for Marrujo, who retired after the 2015 season.
Running back coach John Van Dam also spent plenty of time with Marrujo, He has coached at Valencia since 2005.
“He’s happy,” Gray said of Marrujo, whom he speaks to regularly. “He’s just happy the kids are having a good experience. He was student-first.”
If Valencia’s wins one more game Friday, they Tigers will experience the CIF finals.
JOHN HUMPHREY SETS O.C. RECORD
Corona del Mar junior wide receiver John Humphreys caught three touchdowns last week against Yorba Linda, giving him an Orange County single-season record 25.
Humphreys said the team statistician told him about the record but the Sea Kings didn’t make a big deal about it. They’re focused on team goals.
“Everyone is pretty focused on winning a CIF championship right now,” Humphreys said.
CdM plays at Camarillo in the Division 4 semifinals Friday.
CARRILLO REMAINS A TWO-WAY THREAT
Garden Grove’s Mike Carrillo rushed for 314 yards on 39 carries and recorded 11 tackles and two knockdowns in a 28-14 victory against Aliso Niguel on Friday in the CIF Division 9 playoffs.
CONSISTENT COUGARS
Capistrano Valley has reached the semifinals for the third consecutive season. The Cougars host top-seeded Cajon in Division 3 on Friday.
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