South Gate Wins City Section Division I Championship in Thrilling Fashion
On November 29, 2025, at 6:25 PM PT, the South Gate Rams pulled off a miraculous 63-58 victory over Marquez in the City Section Division I final at Southwest College. The game was a nail-biter, with multiple lead changes and a dramatic finish that left fans on the edge of their seats.
Nicholas Fonseca was the hero of the day, snagging a tipped ball in the end zone for a 39-yard touchdown on an untimed down. This incredible catch sealed the win for South Gate, capping off an unforgettable game. Fonseca’s teammates were shocked and ecstatic, and the player himself described it as “one of the most special moments of my life!”
A Game of Twists and Turns
The game was marked by a series of twists and turns, with both teams trading touchdowns and lead changes throughout the fourth quarter. Marquez had taken a 58-57 lead on a one-yard sneak by Angelo Gutierrez and his subsequent two-point conversion pass to Elyjah Staples with just six seconds left. However, a pass interference penalty gave South Gate one last chance, and quarterback Michael Gonzalez made the most of it, launching a pass into the end zone that was tipped by two defenders into Fonseca’s waiting arms.
Gonzalez had an outstanding game, completing 26 of 34 passes for 450 yards and six touchdowns. Ephaunie Lewis was another standout player, with 10 receptions for 193 yards and three scores. Nicholas Quintanilla also had a notable performance, returning the second-half kickoff 85 yards for a score and finishing with five catches for 90 yards and 54 yards on the ground.
Marquez tailback Gilberto Cisneros drags Rams defender Jordan Olivares to the goal line in the second quarter Saturday. (Steve Galluzzo / For The Times)
A Championship Win for South Gate
South Gate’s victory marked their third City title and first since winning the 3A Division in 1988 under Gary Cordray. The team’s coach, Francisco Saldana, was overjoyed, shouting “Never give up!” as he raised the trophy. For the players, this win was a sweet redemption after last year’s heartbreaking loss to Chatsworth in the Division II final.
As Fonseca reflected on the game, he said, “On the last play, my coach told me to run a corner route to the pylon. Last year we were up late and it bit us. This time we came through and it feels great.” The team’s determination and perseverance paid off, and they celebrated their well-deserved championship win.
For more information on this thrilling game, visit Here
Image Source: www.latimes.com
