There’s an urgency among Narbonne High football players knowing as soon as the 2024 season ends, the program won’t be eligible to compete in the 2025 playoffs because of City Section sanctions after using ineligible players this season. It’s championship or bust, and the Gauchos earned the right to play on with a dominating 27-7 semifinal victory over defending champion Birmingham on Friday night, ending the Patriots’ 48-game win streak against City Section opponents. It means Narbonne, despite its off-the-field problems, is set to play San Pedro in the Open Division championship game at El Camino College on Nov.
29. San Pedro was one of four Marine League teams that refused to play Narbonne this season, taking a forfeit in protest of alleged rule violations. To say that the players will be fired up next week to face the Pirates might be an understatement.
“That’s going to bring some fire,” Narbonne quarterback Jaden O’Neal said. San Pedro made a miraculous comeback, rallying from a 24-0 deficit to win 40-34 in overtime when quarterback Marcus Jeronymo completed a 30-yard touchdown pass to Elias Redlew. Narbonne did what few schools have been able to do against Birmingham in playoff action since the 2019 season — dominate up front.
On defense, the Gauchos refused to let the speedy Dredon Fowles have any room to break loose. On offense, Jamari Ladd rushed for 136 yards in 15 carries and scored two touchdowns. Narbonne led 14-0 at halftime.
The Patriots had vi.