Maranatha Christian uses big turnover, 99-yard drive to win first CIF title

ESCONDIDO — Maranatha High School entered the CIF Division 5-AA playoffs without a CIF championship title to its name.

That changed Saturday night.

Behind a brilliant showing from their defense and key late scores from Hudson Heinrichs and Sawyer Bryant, Maranatha Christian defeated Palo Verde Valley 24-12, claiming the first CIF championship in program history.

“I can’t say enough about these guys. They don’t quit,” said Maranatha coach Nick Novak, a former Chargers kicker. “Tonight was complementary football. They’re consistent, and now they get to see the fruits of their labor.”

Palo Verde Valley’s wishbone offense landed the first major blow of Saturday’s title game. Running back Christian Richards broke free for an 84-yard rushing touchdown, putting Palo Verde Valley ahead 6-3.

After a stagnant first few possessions, Maranatha’s offense found a rhythm. Quarterback Shane Piester hit his stride in the Eagles’ final possession of the half, completing all five of his attempts, including a 26-yarder to wideout Dane Johnson.

Piester capped the drive with a one-yard sneak, giving Maranatha a 10-6 lead at the break.

“So much of it stems from my coaches having confidence in me,” said Piester, “I just trusted my eyes, and my teammates, to make plays.”

Maranatha’s defense was exceptional all night, forcing two first-half turnovers before putting the game away in the third quarter.

With 4:23 to play in the period, Palo Verde Valley’s offense faced second-and-goal from Marantha’s 1-inch line. Palo Verde Valley quarterback botched the snap in the backfield and Maranatha’s Aaron Tasin went airborne over the pile to grab the loose ball.

“I just relied on my natural instinct,” Tasin said. “In the moment, I just wanted to get the ball.”

The Eagles then marched 99 yards down the field, highlighted by Ryan Niguidula’s 47-yard run from midfield to the Palo Verde Valley 3.

Piester then hit Heinrichs on a bubble screen for a touchdown.

“First thing I thought of was, ‘Please don’t drop this ball,” Heinrichs said with a laugh. “But once I had it and saw the perfect blocks in front of me, I knew it was a free walk to the end zone.”

Sawyer Bryant delivered the knockout blow on Maranatha’s next possession, plunging in a three-yard score and allowing the Eagles to make history.

“The kids responded like no other,” Novak said, “It’s a testament to their preparation since January.”

Maranatha Christian, 24 Palo Verde Valley 12

Maranatha— 3 7 0 14 24 

Palo Verde— 6 0 0 6 12 

MAR— 29 kick Esparza

PV— 84 rush Richards (2pt failed)

MAR— 1 rush Piester (Kick Bryant)

MAR— Heinrichs 3 pass from Piester (Bryant Kick)

MAR— 3 rush Bryant (Esparza Kick)

PV— 1 rush Richards (2pt fail)