TEMECULA – Charlie TeGantvoort has worked wonders since taking over as coach of a floundering Santa Ana program back in 2014.
Inheriting a team that went 0-10 the season before he stepped on campus, it took the Saints coach just three seasons to guide Orange County’s oldest high school to its first CIF championship game since 1986.
As challenging as the revival was at times, nothing prepares a coach for having to console a group of dejected players who fell just short of their objective.
TeGantvoort lifted an upset Jonathan Briseno to his feet after the final whistle, and moments later he gave a distraught Steven Cruz a bear hug.
Santa Ana’s dream season came to a crushing end Saturday night. The Saints turned the ball over four times in the second half and their defense was never able to figure out a versatile Rancho Christian attack in a 52-14 loss in the CIF-SS Division 13 championship game at Temecula Valley High.
While Santa Ana was unable to capture the school’s first CIF title since 1985, it did turn in a 13-1 season and showed promise for the years to come.
“We really did start from the bottom, and it didn’t go the way we wanted it to tonight,” TeGantvoort said. “But the ways these guys fight, not just on the field but in their daily lives, is something for all of us to be proud of.
“The way they represent the city and the community is something we all can get behind.”
Rancho Christian (12-2) captured the school’s first CIF championship under former longtime Orange Lutheran coach Jim Kunau in just the varsity’s fourth year of existence. The win gives Kunau three CIF-SS crowns, two with Orange Lutheran and one at his new home.
“They play as hard and tough as any team I’ve ever been privileged to coach,” Kunau said of his Eagles, which suited its entire program of 30 kids for the final. “They are remarkable young guys who have given everything they have since they started in the spring.
“Santa Ana, it just wasn’t their night. But Coach (TeGantvoort) and the guys are doing such a great job with their program.”
By throwing out so many different formations and looks, the Eagles kept Santa Ana’s defense off-balance. Whether it was out of the veer, shotgun or I-formation, Rancho Christian and running back Jaden Schieberl was able to consistently march down the field.
Schieberl ran for 220 yards and four touchdowns on 15 carries and his lone catch of the game came on a 66-yard play-action pass from junior quarterback Carter Treadway. As one of nine Eagles who played both ways, Schieberl also intercepted a pass.
After the Saints took the initial 7-0 lead on the opening drive of the game, Rancho Christian scored 31 consecutive points.
Contact the writer: kconnolly@scng.com
