California School for the Deaf Riverside Football Team Clinches Back-to-Back State Championship Titles

Purnima Sharma November 30, 2023

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In a stunning display of resilience, the California School for the Deaf Riverside’s football team secured their second consecutive victory in the Southern Section CIF state championship, overcoming a challenging 14-0 deficit early in the game.

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California School Triumph Against Adversity

Coach Keith Adams, expressing his astonishment, shared with ABC News through an ASL translator, “This is surreal. It was shocking… Generally speaking, it’s very, very hard to win that championship game two years in a row.” Despite facing obstacles, the team managed to secure a 54-42 triumph, a victory they deemed nothing short of a miracle. The school celebrated their achievement with a spirited parade.

The championship victory held profound significance for the players and the coaching staff. Adams and Jeremias Valencia, CSDR athletic director, highlighted the team’s journey, marred by injuries and the departure of graduating teammates. Adams noted the unique challenge of managing numerous injuries in a short period but emphasized how it led to the discovery of hidden strengths within the team.

The team’s unity became their strongest asset during challenging times. Many of the players have known each other since kindergarten, participating not only in football but in various sports together. Valencia conveyed through an ASL interpreter to ABC News, “Many of these students have known each other since they were in kindergarten. They’ve played not just football but a lot of sports together.”

Overcoming injuries and doubts, the team’s unity and perseverance emerged triumphant. Adams underscored the role of victories in inspiring and building confidence in the players. “So, these wins show them that they can believe in themselves, that they can do things, that they can achieve certain things,” he remarked. The positive results have been a source of inspiration for the students.

Looking ahead, Adams revealed that preparations for next year’s championships have already commenced. While emphasizing the importance of enjoying the game, he acknowledged that losses are a part of life. “In life, that’s going to happen, you’re not always going to win, and you have to be prepared for those losses,” Adams said.

The California School for the Deaf Riverside’s football team’s back-to-back state championship victories not only showcase their athletic prowess but also exemplify the power of unity, resilience, and the inspiration drawn from overcoming challenges on the path to success.