🏈 Los Alamitos to play Long Beach Poly in playoffs

The Los Alamitos Griffins are preparing for the playoffs.

The varsity football team ended its regular season with an 8-2 record after a lopsided 68-0 win against the Fountain Valley Barons on Oct. 27.

The game at Veterans Memorial Stadium in Long Beach was Los Alamitos High School’s senior night, marking a remarkable era for the Griffins. Quarterback Malachi Nelson and wide receiver Makai Lemon are two of the most prolific offensive weapons to ever don a Griffins uniform. Not only is Nelson the career passing leader in school history, but these two USC commits have led the Griffins to three straight undefeated seasons in the Sunset League, which has not been done since 1953.

When you consider the fact that Los Alamitos was ranked #4 in California and Fountain Valley was #217, one might think the Barons were in for a long night. The Griffin’s defense has been improving every week and did not allow a single point in the game. On offense, they started the game with a one-play pass for a touchdown, a blocked punt, a one-play quarterback run for a touchdown, and a two-play pass for a touchdown. Four offensive plays into the game and the score was already 21-0. The final score was 68-0 and the Griffins starters were resting on the sidelines by the third quarter.

Sunday morning, CIF – Southern Section released the ten-team playoff brackets. The Los Alamitos Griffins will be the 4 th seed in Division 1 and will get a first-round bye. On Friday November 11 at 7p.m., the Griffins will host a quarterfinal game against the 5 th seed Long Beach Poly Jackrabbits at Veterans Memorial Stadium.

The Los Alamitos Griffins star running back, Damien Henderson, is a transfer from Long Beach Poly High School. The Griffins hope that his desire to beat his old team will be the added motivation needed to propel the Griffins past the Jackrabbits and into the semi-final game.

The Los Alamitos Griffins won a CIF Championship in 1991 (Division 3), 1992 (Division 2), 1993 (Division 2), and 2002 (Division 1). It will not be an easy road for any team to take the Division 1 CIF-SS crown this year.