Edison Defeats Simi Valley 35-21 to Earn the Title of Division 3 CIF Champs (2024)

Huntington Beach – ‘Cap’ Sheue Field

The Edison Chargers yet again displayed their determination Friday night when it mattered most, defeating Simi Valley 35-21 to claim the CIF Southern Section Division 3 championship at Huntington Beach High. Despite missing star running back Julius Gillick due to a suspension, Edison’s offense thrived under sophomore quarterback Sam Thomson, who delivered an elite performance with 224 passing yards, three touchdowns, and a rushing score.

Edison set the tone early with a 9-play, 80-yard opening drive capped by Thomson’s 21-yard touchdown pass to Jake Minter. While Simi Valley’s Brice Hawkins responded with a 3-yard touchdown to tie the game, the Chargers quickly regained control. Minter’s 18-yard touchdown run and a 35-yard scoring pass from Thomson to Ayden DeGiacomo gave Edison a commanding 21-7 halftime lead.

The defense also played a pivotal role, holding Simi Valley’s powerful rushing attack to just 61 yards — a significant contrast to their season average of 205. Hawkins, who entered the game with 1,633 rushing yards, managed only 22 on the ground but accounted for all three Pioneer touchdowns, including one late in the fourth quarter.

Thomson’s connection with Aidan Brown was crucial, highlighted by a 70-yard touchdown pass in the third quarter that extended the Chargers’ lead to 28-14. Brown finished with 108 yards on five receptions. Edison’s offensive line, featuring standouts like Devyn Blake and Taeao Falelaulii, paved the way for 164 rushing yards in Gillick’s absence.

Edison’s defensive line dominated, recording five sacks—two each from Jack Knudtson and Conrad Barrera.

The Chargers (10-4) advance to the CIF Southern California Regional championship next week, marking their first section title since 2016. “It means the world. It’s something you dream of as a kid,” Thomson said. “The fact that it’s finally come true is a surreal feeling. It hasn’t even sunk in yet.”