Winning the program's first state championship in 2025 - in his first season no less - hasn't affected St. Ignatius football coach JaJuan Lawson or his Wildcats one bit. Despite losing 38 seniors to graduation, including eight All-West Catholic Athletic League performers, St. Ignatius has been perhaps the most impressive team in the WCAL through two weeks. The Wildcats have recorded back-to-back identical 42-7 wins over two-time North Bay state champions San Marin-Novato and Marin Catholic-Kentfield.
Senior running back Luke Tribolet has been a workhorse with 34 carries for 208 yards and four touchdowns. Sophomore quarterback Isaac Liu has been terrific with 23 completions in 32 pass attempts for 350 yards and five touchdowns, three to junior Davion Moffett.
The defense has exceeded all expectations, led by junior linebacker Jack Riedy (12 tackles) and sophomore defensive back Casey Nelson (two interceptions, two caused fumbles, two recoveries).
"I don't think winning a state ***** le created any extra pressure on these kids," Lawson said. "We play in the most difficult league in Northern California. We're trying to get back to the top of the league honestly and that's what drives us. … New group, new goals."
The new goal is getting some revenge on Friday night and to beat one of the best teams in Northern California when the Wildcats visit Acalanes-Lafayette (2-0). The Wildcats, ranked seventh in the Metro Area, lost a wild 42-35 game last season in San Francisco to Acalanes, which is currently ranked No. 5 in the Bay Area.

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