The562’s coverage of football in 2024-25 is sponsored by The Terry Donahue Memorial California Showcase.
The562’s coverage of Long Beach Wilson Athletics is sponsored by Joel Bitonio, Class of 2009.
In its nearly 100 year history, Wilson High has done just about everything. The Bruins have CIF-SS and CIF State championships in a ton of sports, claimed some national titles as well, and produced dozens of Olympians and pro athletes. And yet, while the Bruins’ football program has produced plenty of top-end talent–including perennial Pro Bowler Joel Bitonio–the team has never reached a CIF-SS championship game.
Friday night at home at 7pm, they have a chance to do just that, as they host Great Oak with a trip to the CIF-SS Division 9 championship game on the line.
“It’s exciting,” said first-year Wilson coach Travis Clark. “Like I told the kids, ‘There is no turning back.’ This school, this community, these kids, they deserve it. The school is almost 100 years old, they deserve a CIF championship.”
Clark, who has three CIF-SS and one CIF State title to his name, seemed almost offended at the prospect of Wilson not having a championship plaque in its abundant trophy case.
“You walk over here at Wilson High School, it’s an incredible facility, beautiful location, wonderful student body…and to say that we haven’t won a CIF championship in football is a blasphemy,” he said. “So that’s my goal. I didn’t know we’d have an opportunity this soon, but now that it’s here there’s no turning back. There’s no other option, right? There’s no other option.”
The winner of Friday’s game will face the winner of Highland and Quartz Hill in next week’s championship, with Wilson traveling in either outcome.
Standing in their way is a good Great Oak team that’s beaten Coachella Valley and St. Genevieve to reach the semifinals. Wilson is a 12-point favorite according to CalPreps.
Great Oak (6-6) is led by Ryder Smith, their junior middle linebacker/running back who puts up 100 yards per game on the ground and also leads the team in tackles and sacks. QB Reagan Ricken leads the way under center.
“We’ve got to stop the run game,” said Clark. “Their quarterback is pretty good, he’s a dual threat guy. They’ve got a big back and a good offensive line.”
The Bruins will look to rely on their playmakers on both sides of the ball. In a first-round game they put up 42 points in an offensive explosion that saw them blow out Victor Valley. Last week it was a tight, defensive performance that saw Wilson pull out a 19-17 win on a late touchdown.
The562 will be live on the field with updates and full coverage as Wilson tries to make history.
