Woodbridge football slips past Montebello for first CIF-SS title since 1998

MONTEBELLO — After an 0-7 start to its season, the Woodbridge football team completed its improbable run in the CIF Southern Section playoffs with a 24-23 win over Montebello in the Division 13 championship game Friday night.

Special teams proved to be the difference in the matchup, as the Oilers missed the potential game-tying extra point attempt with 1:09 remaining. Each team also blocked field goal.

“Special teams, we always say wins and loses the game,” Woodbridge coach Connor McBride said, “and you know, they had a couple good plays on us. We had a couple good plays, but ultimately, at the very end, I think because we got that block, it made them a little bit more nervous and so it ended up winning us the game.”

After the Warriors recovered the ensuing onside kick, they earned a game-clinching first down on a fourth-down run by freshman quarterback Waylon Stone.

“He has been sparking offense this whole year,” McBride said. “You know, he’s a freshman, but he plays beyond his years. His dad went to Woodbridge. He cares so much about Woodbridge, and I think that really drives him to be successful and bring a team a championship like this.”

Stone rushed for 101 yards and a pair of touchdowns and his 27-yard run on the first play of the fourth quarter gave the Warriors a 24-10 lead.

Montebello (7-7) began to rally behind the play of their explosive running back, Donovan Murillo.

The sophomore broke loose for huge gains in both the run and pass game, and his 30-yard run set up his 8-yard score with 10 minutes remaining in the game.

Woodbridge (6-8) responded with a big play from Jalen Webb that helped set up a 35-yard field goal attempt by Charlton Moore that was blocked by the Oilers.

Montebello went on to score again, on another run by Murillo, but the potential game-tying PAT sailed wide of the post.

The game began with a methodical, 13-play, 80-yard drive by the Warriors, who set the tone behind their running game lead by Kayjahn Pitts.

David Bosley scored the opening TD on a 6-yard run, however, the extra point was blocked so Woodbridge settled for a 6-0 lead.

The Oilers responded in quick fashion as sophomore quarterback Joe Curiel found Francisco Mirelez for a 48-yard strike and a 7-6 advantage.

Montebello added a 27-yard field goal by Fernando Cruz to make it 10-6 and the Warriors retook the lead in the second quarter on Stone’s 8-yard keeper to make it 13-10.

Colin Chen blocked Cruz’s field goal attempt near the end of the first half that allowed the Warriors to stay in the lead.

Moore added a 28-yard field goal attempt to add to Woodbridge’s lead, 16-10.

Woodbridge has now won three CIF-SS titles with the first one coming in 1987.

Montebello made its first appearance in a CIF-SS final since 1935 but came up short by the slimmest of margins.

“The game was a reflection of everything that’s gone on this year, facing adversities,” McBride said. “They were making big plays against us, and, you know, just the willingness to succeed and not give up and just show determination, you know, is treating us the same way with a victory as it has the last six weeks, seven weeks.”