UPDATE: Pittsburg High School has just clinched its fifth consecutive North Coast Section Division I championship, decisively defeating Cardinal Newman 42-17 during an exhilarating game at Diablo Valley College in Pleasant Hill, California, on November 28, 2025. The Pirates showcased a dominating performance, leaving no doubt about their supremacy in high school football.
As the clock wound down in the fourth quarter, the field resembled a battlefield—visors and mouthpieces scattered as Pittsburg players celebrated their emphatic victory. Head coach Charlie Ramirez raised the championship plaque high, embodying a legacy built on resilience and grit. “Our objective ever since the state playoffs came about is we’re going to do everything we can to try and get to a state title game,” Ramirez stated after the game.
Pittsburg, clearly in control from the opening kickoff, set the tone early. Quarterback Javale Jones threw for 255 yards with three touchdowns in the first half alone, while sophomore sensation Kenneth Ward caught two touchdown passes, finishing the night with 133 yards on eight receptions.
Despite facing a shorthanded lineup due to injuries, Cardinal Newman managed to score first with a 20-yard field goal from junior kicker Devon Taylor. However, that would be the highlight for the Cardinals as they struggled to maintain momentum. Following their initial scoring drive, they were stymied, failing to advance past three downs on subsequent possessions, totaling just 92 yards of offense for the entire game.
As the second quarter progressed, Pittsburg struck back with a flurry of scoring. Jones connected with Ramire Lewis for a 37-yard touchdown, followed by a 38-yard catch-and-run from Deveon Wilson to extend the lead to ten points. Ward added a touchdown just before halftime, making it clear that Pittsburg was not going to let this championship slip away.
In the third quarter, senior quarterback Carlos Torres took charge, leading a nine-play, 80-yard drive capped off by a 12-yard touchdown pass to King Wade. The Pirates continued their onslaught, with Torres throwing another touchdown pass to Ward, solidifying their lead at 42-3. With a running clock in the fourth quarter, Pittsburg’s dominance was evident as they cleared their bench, allowing Cardinal Newman to score two late touchdowns but securing the win beyond doubt.
Ramirez’s coaching philosophy resonates deeply within the local community. “It’s the blue-collar way, the grit and determination that defines our football,” he said, reflecting on the values that drive the Pirates. With this victory, seniors RJ Mosley and Truly Bell, both heading to Division I programs, capped off their high school careers with their fourth consecutive championship title.
Pittsburg’s triumph not only adds another trophy to their collection but also reinforces their status as a powerhouse in high school football. The community celebrated late into the night, reveling in a tradition that continues to inspire future generations.
As fans and players look ahead, the focus shifts to the state playoffs, where the Pirates will aim to extend their winning streak and pursue a state title. Keep an eye on this remarkable team as they prepare for their next challenge—this season is far from over!
