4 Banning Teams Make CIF Playoff Run

BANNING, CA — Banning Unified School District proudly announces that four Banning High School sports teams qualified for the CIF Southern Section Playoffs.

"Our Football, Girls Tennis, Boys Cross Country, and Girls Cross Country teams will represent Banning in this prestigious competition, showcasing their dedication, talent, and sportsmanship," a spokesperson for the district said.

Tennis began its run Wednesday, while Football will take to the gridiron Friday. Cross-country teams, both boys and girls, will traverse their trails on Saturday.

Football

Banning Football capped off an incredible season with a league title and a 9-1 finish, a remarkable turnaround after last year’s 1-9 record. This achievement marks the program's eighth league title and the team’s first playoff appearance in over a decade. The team’s leadership, led by the coaching staff and the commitment from the players, has been the driving force behind their success, with hours spent in the weight room and on the practice field. Their hard work paid off in a historic season, and they are set for a first-round playoff game at Canyon Springs on Friday, November 8th, at 7:00 p.m.

Boys and Girls Cross Country

The Banning High School cross-country program has had a historic season. The boys' varsity team clinched the Sun Valley League Championship title for the second consecutive year, dominating the league finals race with a perfect score of 15 points by capturing the top six positions. Thomas Carr led the team with a standout performance, followed closely by captain Alan Canela, with teammates Jahzeel Anzola, Alvaro Villavazo, and Javonte Bohannon finishing in the top five. Parth Armakotia and Nathan Cardiel completed the group in seventh and tenth places, respectively. This season, the boys achieved the school’s first back-to-back league titles, set a new school team record, and saw Thomas Carr break the individual school record—a testament to the team’s hard work and dedication.

The girls' cross-country team also excelled, placing third in the league finals. Captain Alexia Yang finished fourth individually, followed by Reyna Urquidez, Zoe Ortiz, and Faith Villegas in eighth through tenth places. Reyna, the first freshman to cross the finish line, shows great promise for the future. Alexia’s cross country and tennis success underscores her exceptional athleticism, as she now heads to CIF in both sports.

Superintendent Terrence Davis expressed his pride: "Our student-athletes have demonstrated exceptional commitment and perseverance. Their achievements reflect the hard work of our students, coaches, and the entire Banning community."

Athletic Director Brandon Mason added, "This is a significant milestone for Banning High School athletics. We are excited to see our teams compete at the CIF level and encourage the community to come out and support our Broncos."

Each team will face its first round of CIF playoffs in the coming days, and the entire community is invited to attend and cheer on our Broncos as they compete in these exciting matches. "Let’s unite to support our student-athletes on their journey to CIF glory!"

Football
Friday, November 8, 2024 at 7:00 p.m.
Located at Canyon Springs High School, Moreno Valley

Boys & Girls Cross County

Saturday, November 16, 2024 at 7:45 a.m.
Located at Mt. San Antonio College Cross Country Course, Walnut