Here’s how Central Catholic High players feel about 1st football road trip since 2019
The Central Catholic High School football team met in the locker room after practice Tuesday to go over a two-page itinerary.
Head coach Roger Canepa and his staff took time to go over each step, relaying expectations for his team’s three-day trip to Southern California for the 2021 CIF State Football Championship Bowl Games.
After a successful regular season and playoff run that ended in a section championship, the Raiders beat Bullard of Fresno 44-41 last Friday to secure their spot in the Division 2-AA state championship.
The last time Central Catholic traveled to Southern California was in 2019 for a nonleague game against Upland High School.
The 49-27 final marked the team’s fourth straight loss, and third straight game in which it gave up more than 40 points.
This year, the Raiders are hoping for better fortunes, with the stakes much higher. A state title is on the line. This year’s team feels ready to compete with Mater Dei Catholic High School of Chula Vista on Friday, Dec. 10, at Saddleback College at 4 p.m.
“It’s fun to go down with the boys because we feel like we deserve this, so we don’t want to take a moment for granted,” said senior linebacker Romeo Eteaki. “We’ve been looking forward to this moment, thanking God and appreciating every moment we have with each other, because we know this is the biggest game you can play in high school right here.”
The Raiders’ 342-mile journey began at 6:30 a.m. Thursday.
Players arrived on campus for breakfast and a sendoff from family, friends and members of the community who wanted to wish them well.
By around 7 a.m., they were on the bus, leaving for their hotel in Orange.
While some would use the approximately six and a half hour road trip to catch up on homework or watch movies, others opted for a more laid-back approach.
“I’m going to try to sleep the whole time.” said senior wide receiver and defensive back Nolan Croasdale.
This trip provides the Raiders with a unique experience. Not only do they get to play for a state title, but they get to experience a taste of the life of a college football player.
Long bus rides, team dinners on the road and a college game day environment have players excited to get a taste of football at the next level.
“I just wanna see a stadium,” said Croasdale. “I hear it’s pretty nice. It’s gonna be a lot of hype, a lot of press, a lot of pictures.”
There’s one big draw for overnight games that stands out above the rest.
“I like the hotel part of it,” senior kicker Anthony Wildenberg said. “It’s pretty fun to hang out with all the guys.”
Running back and linebacker Victor Rivera echoed Wildenberg’s sentiment: “We get down time, just to chill and talk to each other. We get that college football feel.”
Between travel, practice, team meals and the state championship game, the players have a full three-day schedule. Outside of team activities, players look to take full advantage of their down time.
There’s only one real way for high school student-athletes to relax.
“Madden tournament, most definitely.” Eteaki said laughing.
He’ll have at least one challenger in Rivera. Both say they are the best on the team at the video game.
Though there may be some time for fun, Canepa and his staff remind their team that this is a “business trip.” The goal is capturing the school’s first state championship since it won four straight titles from 2012-2015.
“Just play this game like we play any other game,” Wildenberg said on what Canepa has told the team. “Keep playing hard.”
The Raiders had practice scheduled on Thursday upon arriving in Southern California and a walk-through Friday morning.
A scheduled pregame meal at Olive Garden is followed by one final trip back to the hotel before heading to Saddleback College for pregame warmups.
Eteaki, Croasdale, Rivera and Wildenberg all traveled to Upland in 2019, but this game is different. There’s a state title on the line and playing in one of California’s biggest high school football games is a great way to end a high school career.
“I’m just (going to) take in the moment … and see what we’ve done over the past four years,” Rivera said. “It’s been a good journey. I appreciate the opportunity to be able to go to state for our last game as a high schooler.”
