Coming into Friday night’s game against Paradise, Chico only hope to ensure a second seed in the Northern Section Division II football playoffs was to win. If they lost, then it was open to debate. These schools are in a small community, about 25 minutes apart in the Northern California area. Chico’s performance was coming off the heels of the “Almond Bowl.” Their win over Pleasant Valley gave them a confidents that carried over into they’re matchup against Paradise.

MVP

Rafael Orozco

Chico

SCHOLAR ATHLETES

Jeovany O'Horan

Chico

Jeovany O’Horan has been part of the Chico High football program for four years and is a two-year starting offensive lineman on the varsity team. He is a tough, physical athlete whose hard work in the off season and dedication to the team has made him one of our best, most consistent players on the field. In the classroom, Jeo has distinguished himself as one of the finest student athletes of the Class of 2018 as he currently carries a total GPA of 3.5. Demonstrating hard work and self discipline on and off the field has made Jeo a leader on and off the field.

Tyler Crister

Paradise

Tyler is a four-year Varsity football player and a two-year letterman in baseball and basketball. In 2017, he made the pre-seasonal section team and played for Team USA at UC Davis. In 2016, he was awarded outstanding offensive player, all league 1st team and all section 1st team for football. He also was recognized as the Subway scholar for the week. Tyler also received in 2016 an honorable mention on varsity baseball and in 2015 he was the team MVP.

GAME SUMMARY

From the first offensive play of the night, the Chico High Panthers seemed destined to control its own future as Rafael Orozco broke off a 64-yard run with 6 minutes, 4 seconds to go in the first quarter. The play set the Panthers off to a 41-21 win over Paradise in a game that was part of the Great American Series. But the Bobcats did push back against their hosts. Paradise responded with an 11-play 80-yard drive that highlighted junior running back Dominic Wiggins. After another Paradise punt, Orozco, who was named the Great American Series’ MVP, scored his third touchdown of the half on a 26-yard run. That gave the Panthers a 34-14 lead at the break. Orozco ended the half with 158 yards on four carries.