December 1st 2024.
In a highly anticipated match between Sacred Heart Prep and Burlingame, it was clear that all Gators, while typically large, varied in size. As the game unfolded at San Jose City College, Sacred Heart Prep held a 7-3 lead over Burlingame. However, with an opportunity to extend their lead, Burlingame took a risk and went for a fourth-and-1 at their own 38-yard line.
But fate had a different plan. When Burlingame fumbled the snap, it was Aseli Fangupo who came to the rescue. The 5-foot-10, 275-pound defensive tackle for the Gators scooped up the ball and made an impressive 29-yard run for a touchdown, with his teammates cheering him on every step of the way. This pivotal play completely changed the momentum of the game, giving SHP a 14-3 lead that they held onto for the rest of the game, ultimately winning 21-10.
SHP coach Mark Grieb couldn't help but praise Fangupo, saying, "Everything he does is just so great. He's not only an incredible leader, but he truly cares about and loves his teammates. He puts in hard work every single day and at times, it feels like he is the heart of our team, even though he would never say it himself. He's a humble guy who just works hard, so I am beyond happy for him."
This win was especially sweet for Sacred Heart Prep after a rollercoaster of a regular season. As the third seed in the D-IV bracket, they were determined to make the most of their opportunity and they did just that, defeating The King's Academy, Branham, and now Burlingame to claim their first section title since 2021.
As for Fangupo, he could not have asked for a better way to end his high school football career. In the 2021 championship game against Homestead, he also made a fumble recovery and run, but this time, he made it all the way to the end zone. "When I saw that ball, I just knew I had to get there and with the help of my teammates, I was able to do it," Fangupo said with a smile.
But this game was not just about one player's success. Sacred Heart Prep showed their strength and quick-strike ability when Sasha Bamdad ran for a 63-yard touchdown on the very next play after Fangupo's score. This was just one of many impressive moments for the Gators, who never gave up and proved their doubters wrong.
Burlingame coach John Philipopoulos acknowledged that it was a well-fought game, but he couldn't help but lament the few plays that ultimately determined the outcome. "It was a good football game, but the reality is that two or three plays really dictated the outcome and unfortunately, Sacred Heart Prep came out on top. It's always tough to handle self-inflicted wounds, but that's just part of the game."
For Sacred Heart Prep, this win was not just about the championship title, but also about the chance to continue playing together for another week. "We didn't even know if we were going to make it into the playoffs, but once we did, we were determined to make the most of it," Fangupo shared. "Our motto is just to take things one game at a time and play for another week. We feel extremely blessed to have this second chance and we're going to take advantage of every opportunity we get."
As they celebrated their victory, Sacred Heart Prep coach Mark Grieb was doused with water and the team couldn't contain their excitement. It was a well-deserved win for a team that never gave up and proved themselves against all odds. In the end, it was clear that it was not just about winning the championship, but also about the journey and the bonds formed between teammates along the way.
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