Kunau, Rancho Christian Makes History, winning the State Championship in 38-13 win over Sutter Creek Amador

TEMECULA VALLEY – The Rancho Christian football team made history by winning the school’s first ever state championship by dispatching Sutter Creek Amador 38-13 Saturday night. This two weeks removed from winning the school’s first ever football CIF title.

The boys’ basketball team won the school’s first ever CIF title in any sport last spring but then fell short in the Southern California State regional, a feat which the football team was able to surpass by defeating Los Angeles Franklin 56-21 last weekend.

The Eagles (14-2) were 9 of 14 in third down efficiency, but were a perfect 4 of 4 in fourth down conversions, and Kicker Emma Baker made history by being the first female athlete to score points in a state championship football game.

Baker, nicknamed “money” made all five of her extra point attempts, as well as her nineth field goal of the season.

“I just feel really honored to be a part of this team and how they welcomed me,” she said. “I’m extremely proud to call all of them my brothers.”

Rancho drew first blood on only seven plays, culminating on a 17-yard run by Malosi Napolean. Jaden Schiberl opened up the drive with a 26 yard run followed by a Carter Treadway to Jojo Saatzer connection for another 14 yards.

Amador (15-2), however would not go away easy. After recovering a fumble, running back Dylan Thetford would put the Buffaloes on the board after a 68-yard scoring run.

In fact, Thetford would be the Buffaloes’ only offense, scoring both of the teams’ touchdowns, the second coming before halftime, a 58-yard run to close the gap to 21-13.

The Eagles used efficient offense and was able to extend drives when necessary and not give the buffaloes very few chances on offense. Schiberl scored on a 4-yard run after converting on 4th and short. Treadway then found Saatzer for another scoring pass after converting on two third down conversions.

“Our ability to keep the ball and maintain long drives really helped us win this game,” said Treadway.

With only five seniors on the team, Rancho will return many core players including juniors Treadway, Schiberl, Baker and sophomore Napoleon who will seek to repeat this season’s incredible run.

“It was a total team effort tonight and the entire year,” said Nicholas Alvarez, who is one of only five seniors on the team. “We all count on each other to get the job done.”

Rancho head coach Jim Kunau made history as well, by being the second team to lead multiple teams to state titles. He also won a state title with Orange Lutheran in 2006.

Photograph: The Rancho Christian Eagles Celebrates its first state championship in any sport after its 38-13 win over Sutter Creek Amador Saturday Night. (Photo by: Frank Bellino Press Enterprise )