Success Breeds Success: Laguna Beach High School Football Team
When it comes to success, look no further than Laguna Beach High School’s football team. The Breakers, hailing from Southern California’s Orange County coast, are gearing up for their quest to win a second consecutive CIF Southern Section championship. Their journey begins on November 3rd at 7 p.m. when they face off against El Dorado of Placentia.
Laguna Beach, with a record of 9-1, has been on a winning streak since their season opener loss in overtime against Chino. This nine-game winning streak matches their run from last season when they clinched the CIF Southern Section Division 9 crown. Unfortunately, their state playoff dreams were shattered in a heartbreaking 56-55 loss to Granada Hills Charter.
“Last year, we weren’t prepared for that,” said Laguna Beach Coach John Shanahan, reflecting on their previous championship win. ”We didn’t have any conversations about what comes next after winning a CIF championship. It was overwhelming for our kids when I said, ‘Hey, congratulations, you have practice on Monday.’ They were caught off guard and didn’t know what to expect. Winning a CIF championship hadn’t happened since 1946, so those conversations were unheard of.”
This season, the CIF has placed the Breakers in Division 7, opening up the possibility of a championship rematch with Chino.
Laguna Beach junior quarterback Jackson Kollock. (Courtesy of Jake Hiemstra)
“We’re giving it our all,” declared junior quarterback Jackson Kollock, who has already amassed impressive stats with 2,954 passing yards and 41 touchdowns. “Our goal is to win the state championship this year, and we’re determined to make it happen.”
Expectations have shifted dramatically at Laguna Beach in recent seasons, thanks in large part to senior tight end and linebacker Ryner Swanson. Swanson’s commitment to play college football at Brigham Young University has inspired his teammates to consider staying at Laguna Beach for their own opportunities.
“He has completely transformed our program,” praised Coach Shanahan. “When other players see him receive a D-1 offer, they realize they don’t have to leave Laguna Beach to play at the next level. It’s a game-changer.”
Swanson even delayed his commitment to Brigham Young to help his teammate Kollock. When a University of Washington coach came to scout Swanson, he noticed Kollock’s talent as well. As a result, Kollock recently committed to play for the Huskies.
“There’s no better teammate than Ryner,” Kollock expressed. “I love these guys. We’re like a family, always supporting each other. I couldn’t ask for a better group of teammates.”
With Swanson and Kollock moving on, more opportunities are expected to arise for other Breakers players. Freshmen Wyatt Bogdan and Jack Hurst, who have been mentored by Swanson and Kollock, have the potential to pursue college football careers.
“Having the chance to stay home and play football while having a shot at the next level is incredible for our team,” Coach Shanahan acknowledged. “Laguna Beach kids never thought it was possible, but now they’re starting to see the possibilities.”
Laguna Beach senior tight end and linebacker Ryner Swanson. (Courtesy of Jake Hiemstra)
High school football, at its core, fosters unity, and Laguna Beach is a prime example. Senior running back Nick Rogers shared his perspective after a standout performance against Westminster, where he rushed for 176 yards, caught four passes for 78 yards, and scored four touchdowns.
“Our small team and small town force us to be united,” Rogers explained. “We’re close-knit, not just on the field but in everything we do. That’s where it all starts, and that’s why we work so well together. Not many schools have that kind of bond.”
The Breakers, known for their high-scoring games, will also showcase their strong work ethic.
“Sometimes our kids get frustrated with the coaching staff because we stick to the same routine every day, all year long,” admitted Coach Shanahan. “We teach them that consistent hard work leads to success. Our continuous dedication and repetition have allowed us to be consistently strong. Our kids have big goals, and they’ve been working tirelessly to achieve them. We’ll keep pushing them as long as they want it.”
Have proven that success breeds success and that each individual’s accomplishments can motivate and inspire the entire team
O doubt that success breeds success,” said Swanson. “When you see your teammates achieving their goals and getting recognized, it motivates everyone to work harder and aim higher.”
The Laguna Beach High School football team has become a force to be reckoned with, not only in their division but also in the entire state of California. Their dedication, talent, and hard work have propelled them to new heights and have raised the expectations within the program.
Coach Shanahan has done an exceptional job in leading the team and creating a winning culture. He understands the importance of preparing his players for success both on and off the field. Last year’s championship win was a valuable lesson for the team, and Coach Shanahan has made sure that they are ready for the challenges that come with being champions.
The players have also taken it upon themselves to push each other to excel. Junior quarterback Jackson Kollock has been a standout player this season, displaying exceptional skills and leadership on the field. His performances have caught the attention of college coaches, and he has already received multiple offers from Division 1 schools.
Kollock’s success has not only motivated his teammates but also demonstrated that Laguna Beach can be a stepping stone to bigger opportunities. Senior tight end and linebacker Ryner Swanson’s commitment to Brigham Young University has further reinforced this idea. Swanson’s decision to stay at Laguna Beach and pursue his dreams has inspired his teammates to do the same.
The team’s success has also brought attention and recognition to the school and the community. Laguna Beach has become known as a football powerhouse, and college recruiters are now actively scouting their players. This has opened up doors for other athletes who previously felt the need to leave the area to pursue their ambitions.
The upcoming CIF Southern Section championship is another chance for the Breakers to prove their dominance. The possibility of a rematch with Chino, the team that handed them their only loss this season, adds an extra layer of excitement and motivation. The players are determined to make history and bring home another championship trophy.
As the Laguna Beach High School football team continues to thrive, their success serves as an inspiration to other teams and athletes in the area. It shows that with dedication, hard work, and belief in oneself, anything is possible. The Breakers are not just a football team; they are a symbol of the power of perseverance and the rewards that come with it.
In conclusion, the Laguna Beach High School football team’s success is a testament to their determination and commitment. Their journey has been filled with challenges, setbacks, and victories, but they have remained focused and driven. Through their achievements, they
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