McClymonds wins 2nd consecutive state football championship

OAKLAND, Calif. (KGO) -- For the second year in a row, the McClymonds High School Warriors claimed a state football title, defeating Visalia's Golden West 42-12.

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"I think we accomplished history," said Damon Gardner, one of 18 seniors on the McClymonds team. "The kids that look up to everybody on our team. It's good for them too, make them want to come to McClymonds, play football and get a state championship for themselves."

"It's amazing because we felt this feeling last year and to feel it two times back to back is great. You can't even explain what it feels like," said head coach Michael Peters.

Indeed, these young men are well aware that their success on the football field these past two seasons extends well beyond their school boundaries, into the larger community of West Oakland. McClymonds is a small school of just 350 students.

"A lot of kids come from struggling backgrounds you know," explained senior Peter Diaz, "and for us to come together as a brotherhood and work hard, this means a lot to me."

"It definitely reinforces that all the qualities they use to win this championship on the football field are already instilled in them for the success of life," said Cleveland McKinney, McClymonds Assistant Principal.

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