COLUSA, Calif. — Bringing home the gold like conquering heroes, the Colusa High School football team returned from Southern California as undefeated champions.
In a rally at Veterans Memorial Park in Colusa, they received a hero's welcome after defeating a much larger school from San Diego County for the CIF State 6-A title in Los Angeles, maintaining a perfect 14-0 record.
"I heard David and Goliath, and it couldn't be more true. Our little town just took on the big city," said Sadie Ash, a lifelong Colusa resident.
The Colusa Red Hawks brought home the town's first ever state football title with a 33-17 victory over Sweetwater, a school with an enrollment of more than 2,500 students.
Despite those odds, Coach Mikey Badaluco reminded his team that only 11 players can take the field at a time.
"It was going to be whatever team wanted it more, and that's why we're here today," Badaluco said.
Senior Isaiah Travis's family watched from the stands in Los Angeles.
"It was surreal. The feeling, I couldn’t ask for anything better. I’m surprised that that many Colusa fans came out to the game, all the way to L.A., so I’m thankful for that," Travis said.
Family and friends showed up in numbers at the championship game, just like they have all season long.
"We have a big set of stadium stands for a school our size, and they're full," Badaluco said.
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