Press Release Details
Galileo High School football team wins state championship
SAN FRANCISCO (December 19, 2017) - On December 16, the Galileo Lions football team took home CIF State Division 6-A champions with a 38-20 win over Vincent Memorial , the San Diego Section Division 7 champions.
"I am so proud of our players and coaches and so happy that we got the job done for our city. This is definitely a special season, one for the record books," said Head Coach Mark Huynh.
According to Huynh, this is the first state championship for Galileo or any team from San Francisco.
"We are extremely proud of the Lions," said Superintendent Vincent Matthews. "They overcame all obstacles to be the first SFUSD football team to win a state championship. Congratulations to each and every student for their hard-earned efforts."
"I got to be a part of another family that achieved something special this season. I will never forget what we did," said senior Ahmed Balwi, all-city first team offensive lineman.
According to SFGATE, the Lions scored 24 straight points in the third quarter to take control. Junior Ronald Fox rushed 11 times for 146 yards and two touchdowns. Sophomore Yarvell Smith, the AAA Player of the Year, contributed 91 yards rushing, a touchdown, a two-point conversion and 11 tackles. Junior Jimmie Edwards added 12 tackles, five sacks and a 39-yard rushing touchdown.
A 10-yard Fox touchdown and a goal-line stand sealed the victory in the fourth quarter.
Huynh is a Vietnamese immigrant who graduated from Galileo in 1990. "I wasn't an All-City player but I played with a lot of heart," he said. "And I ask my players to do the same."
As quoted in the SFGATE, Huyn said "I knew this was a special group because of their camaraderie. The way they got along helped them figure out ways to overcome obstacles. I think that's a more important story to share with city kids than winning a football championship. They can accomplish even bigger things in the world."
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Page updated on 12/20/17