UPDATE: In a thrilling showdown that captivated fans, El Cerrito has just clinched a place in its first-ever state title game by defeating Menlo-Atherton 20-16 in the NorCal 4-A Championship on December 6, 2025. This victory is a monumental achievement, especially after the school faced a postseason ban last year due to the use of ineligible players.
The dramatic win, which unfolded at Menlo-Atherton High School, sends the Gauchos to the state championship matchup against Beckman in Southern California next week. This is a historic moment for El Cerrito, marking a significant turnaround for a program that has faced adversity in recent years.
Sophomore wide receiver and cornerback Cannon Jenkins emerged as the star of the game, scoring the decisive touchdown and making a crucial interception in the fourth quarter. “It means a lot,” Jenkins stated after the game. “We worked hard over the offseason. We had ups and downs over this season. But we worked hard, came through practices every day. And why not EC?”
El Cerrito’s thrilling victory capped off a season of resilience, as the team now boasts an impressive record of 12-2. This marks a stark contrast to their previous postseason experience, where they suffered a heavy defeat in the NorCal Division III matchup in 2013.
Head coach Tim Johnson, who took the reins of the team after the previous coach was placed on leave, expressed his pride in the team’s journey. “When I came back from junior college coaching, the mission was to get to state,” Johnson said. “And we did our thing.”
The Gauchos will now prepare for the state title match against Beckman, where they aim to secure a championship that has eluded them for so long. Fans are eagerly anticipating this historic game, which promises to be a celebration of determination and hard work.
Stay tuned for updates as El Cerrito continues its remarkable journey to the state championship!
