FINALS: The Bears meet the Redlands East Valley Bobcats in the championship game for the CIF title.
By Scott Field, Staff Writer
The Bears had a perfect 13-0 season heading into the CIF Championships against Redlands East Valley High School. In the first half of the game, the Bears took the lead with a score of 7-6. From then on, both teams continued putting up points on the scoreboard back and forth. The game was sold out and the stands were packed with students and parents spiriting Poly colors.
The varsity football players put up a fight on the field, but in the end, came short of the championship title, suffering a tough 36-31 loss. Although the team was visibly disappointed with the outcome, the Bears walked off of the field with their heads held high, cheered on by the Poly crowd. The loss was hard on the players because they made it so far in CIF, but despite the boys’ disappointment, they still managed to finish with one of the best season records in Riverside Poly history. “It was a game I will forever remember, and even though we lost, we fought until the end,” player Tony Pelayo (12) said.
Although the seniors on the team did not finish the way they had hoped, they were still pleased with their performances this year and loved playing with their teammates. “It was not what we expected; however, this season has truly been a blessing and an honor to be part of this brotherhood era of football,” player Simon Isaac (12) said.