FRESNO COUNTY, Calif. – A team of state champions received a hero’s welcome on Thursday. The Central East High School Football team secured its second-ever state title in December, and now, following winter break, the school is coming together to celebrate with a parade and rally.
“It’s amazing. You know, just getting recognition for all the hard work and dedication we put in,” said Wide Receiver EJ Morgan.
Hundreds of parents, students, and staff at Central East High gathered for a parade and rally to honor the football team’s state title victory. The event was a testament to the community’s support and pride in the team’s achievements.
“It made me feel pretty good about what we did. It shows that our community supports us no matter what we do and how good we do it,” said Quarterback Jelani Dippel.
For Central East, this isn’t just a winning season—it’s a standard to uphold. The team’s success has set a new benchmark for future players and coaches alike.
“It’s really cool for the kids to experience this, you know, especially the heartbreak from last year to just be celebrated this year in the season they had is just amazing for those young men,” said Head Coach Kyle Biggs.
The way the team carries itself reflects the effort and determination they displayed long before the season began. The title wasn’t just won on the field; it was earned through countless hours of hard work and sacrifice.
“Waking up at five in the morning, getting work in, going home, coming back to lift weights over the summer. It’s a lot. And it could wear you down. But if you’re mentally strong, you know, you can achieve something like a state championship,” Morgan said.
That hard work turned into something bigger than football—creating memories that will live forever for these players and their families. Even local officials couldn’t miss out on the celebration.
“I told the kids just take the moment to look around, take it all in, because this is something that they will remember their entire life,” said Fresno Mayor Jerry Dyer.
This team didn’t just bring home a title—they brought back respect, pride, and a growing legacy in Fresno. Their journey from last year’s disappointment to this year’s triumph is a powerful story of resilience and perseverance.
“That bitter taste of losing it last year superseded everything else. It’s just trying to get that bad taste out of your mouth and coming back and finishing the job,” said Coach Biggs.
The celebration was more than just a reward for the team’s success—it was a reflection of the community’s belief in their potential. As the players walk away from this chapter of their lives, they carry with them not just a trophy, but a legacy of hard work, teamwork, and determination.