Antelope Valley Christian Wins 8-Man Title

Antelope Valley Christian High’s 54-26 victory over Visalia Central Village Christian on Saturday at Antelope Valley College gave the Lancaster school its first Southern Section 8-man Small Schools football title in three years of trying. It also was first-year Coach Ted Knapp’s 100th win as a high school coach.

But there was little question as to which accomplishment was more important to Knapp.

“I haven’t even thought about the 100th win,” he said. “I am proud that these boys could be a part of that, but I am much more proud to have been a part of their championship. The 100th win takes a back seat in a long-stretch limousine to winning the (Southern Section) title.”

After dashing to a 20-0 lead midway through the second quarter, top-seeded Antelope Valley Christian (13-0) maintained at least a two-touchdown lead throughout the game.

After a punchless first half in which it could score only once and had only two passing yards, second-seeded Central Valley Christian (7-6) twice cut the lead to 14 points but could get no closer.

Tight end Craig Cieslik ran for touchdowns of 51 and 66 yards in the second half for Antelope Valley Christian.

Both scores came on a reverse, a play that was developed this week by Knapp and his staff.

“I was very excited to run the ball. Most of the time it’s just catch, catch, catch,” said Cieslik, who also caught a touchdown pass in the first quarter.

“The blocking on those plays was great. We knew it could work against their defense and I knew I could get the yardage. We made it work.”