by Hunter Richardson, Assistant Sports Editor

The time is now for the Braves, with everything on the line and the “ultimate goal” closer in grasp than it has been in six years. Saturday night the Braves look to win the CIF State Championship and National Championship against Concord De La Salle.    

Brave nation is buzzing after one of the best games in Bosco and CIF History, defeating the “Team in Red” 39-34 to win the CIF-Southern Section Championship. For this program, winning that game was more than just beating a rival. It exorcised the demons  of last year’s CIF-SS Championship game as well as another loss to the “Team in Red” earlier this year in Trinity League play.

The opportunity that faces the Braves tonight is a special one with two of the biggest prizes in high school football on the line: a chance to capture the State Championship and National Championship for the first time since 2013. They only have one obstacle in front of them and that is the Spartans of De La Salle.

De La Salle has been a powerhouse name in California high school football for years, dominating the Northern Section as a familiar opponent to whoever comes out of the South. The Spartans are currently 12-1 and ranked 8th in the nation. The Spartans are one of the most disciplined and well-coached teams in the country, so this will be no easy task for the Braves.

For the Braves, this game will be the last for the seniors are lead out on the field by head coach Jason Negro. The graduating class for Bosco football is one of the most talented this school has ever seen. This will be the last high school game for players such as quarterback D.J. Uiagalelei, wide receiver Kris Hutson, defensive tackle Kobe Pepe, defensive back Kourt Williams and offensive lineman Drake Metcalf.

This journey for the Braves has been one to remember for the graduating class with all of the ups and downs they have gone through. Losing to Mater Dei twice in a row in the CIF-SS Championship and then finally defeating them this year. With all the success they have had this year, these players can go off on the highest note possible with winning this game and the National Championship.

For Brave Nation, we can get one last look at one of the best players to ever wear the Blue and Gold in D.J Uiagalelei. Brave Nation will definitely show out in the stands for one of the biggest games in school history and the atmosphere in the crowd and on the field will be electric.

Kick-off tonight for the CIF State Championship is at 8:00 PM at Cerritos College.

Score Prediction- Braves 45- De La Salle 28