Pacifica football players receiving dozens of college offers

OXNARD, Calif. - The Pacifica High School football season is still going on strong. Saturday they will play in the State Championship game, the first in school history.

The Pacifica Tritons celebrated on Birmingham's field last Saturday as they won the Southern California Regional Championship Game. It was the first in school history.

“I knew we would go far but State, that is like 16 games,” said Nohl Williams, of the Pacifica football team. “It is like an NFL regular season. That is a lot of games.”

Now the team is preparing for the last game of the season, the California State Championship game. Pacifica is looking to become the first public school in Ventura County to win the title.

“To win state would be absolutely legendary not only for the kids, but the coaches and everyone involved,” said Mike Moon, Pacifica head football coach. “To win State would be special.”

Win or lose the Pacifica football program has achieved the ultimate goal according to Moon.

“To be honest with you, seeing our kids go onto the next level might be more important in the big scheme of things than a State Championship,” said Moon.

The football program has received over 50 offers to Division one colleges. Outside Linebacker Caleb McCullough is at the top of that list.

“I think I have been blessed with 21 offers,” said McCullough.

McCullough has committed to Arizona State while other teammates, like Nohl Williams, are still trying to make a decision.

“I have 7 offers,” said Williams.

Williams left in the 4th quarter of Saturday's game to take a recruiting trip to UC Davis.

“I had to catch a plane,” said Williams. “You know I was kind of pushing the time a little bit, but I contribute to my team as much as I could before I could leave.”

Williams had two interceptions and a touchdown before he took off on his recruiting trip.

“The reality is I wanted him to get the experience of being up there,” said Moon. “The thing about the State game is it is a great opportunity, but with an early signing period being next week, it is really difficult for these kids to get their trips and make great decisions.”

“Getting recruited is cool,” said Williams. “Seeing all these coaches in the spring, like 50 of them are out here. You won’t see that at any other schools.”

Moon says getting his players to college has always been his goal.

“I think that should be every coach's goal,” said Moon. “But sometimes it is difficult to juggle winning, and putting films together, and contacting coaches, and teaching your classes, but I feel like that should be a priority for coaches and it always has for me.”

“Coach Moon is the guy who is going to help everybody and all of his players will be successful,” said McCullough. “If you can play football, then he will get you the scholarship so you do not have to worry about that.”

“The truth is, if you have guys that can play in the next level they will help you win football game, I think in return you can help them get to the next level,” said Moon.

Pacifica will take on McClymonds for the California State Championship game Saturday at 12:00 p.m at Cerritos College.