Orland hosts Shafter in the Division 5-A State Championship Saturday. The Trojans are one win away from a perfect 15-0 season and their first-ever state title.
ORLAND, Calif. – Orland hosts Shafter in the Division 5-A State Championship Saturday.
The Trojans goal from the start of the season was to play 15 games. They won the first 14, including its first section championship since 2011 and first-ever NorCal Regional Title. As one of two undefeated teams in the entire state still playing, Orland is looking to finish its historic season strong.
“It’s so cool to talk about a goal and not just dream it but live it,” Head Coach Nick Velazquez said.
“Through youth football we’ve always had this goal to make it here,” Defensive End Khalil Coley said. “We finally made it. We just have one more game.”
That final game is against Shafter, a team on a historic run of its own. The Generals are also competing for their first state championship. They’re led by Quarterback Ezekiel Osborne. The freshman has thrown for 3,254 yards and 32 touchdowns. Coach Velazquez called Shafter the most well balanced offense Orland has played all year.
“We got to get to the quarterback,” Coach Velazquez said. “That’s going to be the key for us defensively. Get to the quarterback. Offensively, we have to be able to move their big defensive line. They have a lot of size.”
Orland has run past teams in all 14 wins, averaging 357 yards and five rushing touchdowns per game. The Trojans ground and pound offense is perhaps an advantage given the forecast. It’s supposed to rain all day Saturday for the championship game. However, that isn’t fazing Orland. The Trojans have already had a chance to practice in it.
“It’s good to get used to it with the mud,” Quarterback Grant Foster said. “Totally different ball game. Getting your feet used to it. I think it’s good that we’re practicing in it now.”
Foster and the Trojans already flexed their muscles in the mud against Clear Lake. The QB became Orland’s all-time leading rusher with 2,680 career yards. He has rushed for 1,869 yards this season. Running Back Jaime Albarran has 1,285 yards and 15 touchdowns on the year. Plus, Diego Rico and Alex Martinez have rushed for more than 500 yards each.
“[Foster] can turn any play into a huge run,” Coley said. “I’m glad I’ve been able to play with him and block for him. He’s just an amazing athlete.”
Orland also set a school record for most home wins in a single season with nine. Saturday would be the Trojan’s 10th and first state title.
“It’s like the cherry on top,” Coach Velazquez said. “This place is going to be rocking on Saturday.”
“Being able to host it gives us that extra bit of motivation knowing our fans are going to be here to support us,” Foster said.
Orland and Shafter kick off Saturday at 6 p.m. in Orland. The gates open at 4 p.m.
Action News Now will have highlights and postgame reaction Saturday at 11 p.m.