The Dos Pueblos High School Football Team is heading to the California Interscholastic Federation Southern Section playoffs after their 31-19 win against Fillmore High School on Friday. This will be the first time since 2019 that DPHS has qualified for the CIF-SS playoffs.

“Doesn’t matter how the game ended; we’re in the playoffs, that’s super exciting,” Coach Alexandros Pateras said. “We’ve worked really hard, and I’m super proud of the guys.”

Throughout the game, Wide Receivers Brady Waldbridge (11), and Ivan Valez (11), and Running Back Kaleb Williams (12) communicated with Quarterback Simon Alexander (12) to get the Chargers closer to the end zone.

Waldbridge ended the game with a total of 187 yards himself, which led to Pateras naming him the “super star” of the game.

Number Brady Walbridge and number 1 Ivan Valez preparing for their next play.

Williams scored the team two rushing touchdowns, and Iyad Ahmad-reda (11) and Waldbridge each got the team a receiving touchdown with the help of Alexander.

Alexander completed 23 passes out of 34 attempts, and finished the game with a total of 308 passing yards. Due to Alexander’s CIF sit out transfer, he has just recently started to play in games for the Chargers, however some team members have said that he is a “hardworking and helpful player.”  “Dos Pueblos welcomes new quarterback Simon Alexander” explains more about Alexander’s goals and what brought him to DPHS.

“He just does a great job of doing his job and being a leader, and he communicates well with the coaches … He’s just a great player and we’re super lucky,” Pateras said.

Quarterback Alexander is about to throw the ball to one of his teammates.

The DPHS defense was able to get some blocks to stop FHS from getting any touchdowns.

Valez got the ball after a fumble during the first half of the game.

Previous quarterback Drew Shultz (11) was able to get the team a total of 7 kicking points.

Zach Gesswin (12) intercepted a pass by FHS Quarterback Anthony Tafoya (12).

“We did very well in the first half with offense and defense … and in the second half, everyone kinda slowed down and thought we had won the game,” Tuna Newendrop (12) said. “So, we just need to keep our foot on the pedal for the whole game.”

Pateras talked to his team after the game, cheering them on from making it to the playoffs.

According to Pateras the players said they were happy with how the season has gone this year. In the beginning of the year they set goals they were hoping to achieve. They were able to complete their first goal by making it to the playoffs, which means they are able to make their season longer and move on to their next goal.

The Chargers are playing their last league game against San Marcos High School on Friday at 7 p.m..