Holy Family Tigers Fall Short in Thrilling Semifinal Showdown

UPDATE: In a heart-pounding clash, the Holy Family Tigers narrowly fell to the Windsor Wizards, losing 21-14 in the Class 3A state semifinals on November 11, 2023. The fifth-seeded Tigers battled fiercely against the top-seeded Wizards, showcasing their determination until the very end on Windsor’s home turf.

Despite finishing the 2024 season with a 6-5 record, Holy Family proved their mettle by reaching the semifinals. Coach Mike Gabriel commended his players for their relentless spirit, stating, “Our kids are just warriors, man. They played with such courage.”

The game unfolded in a chilly environment as both teams’ defenses dominated early on. Holy Family set the stage by halting Windsor on a crucial fourth-and-4, regaining possession deep in their own territory. Windsor struck first with a 5-yard touchdown from Adrian Czyszczon late in the first half, but the Tigers quickly responded. After a muffed return by the Wizards, Holy Family’s Roman Ochs recovered the ball on the Windsor 5-yard line, leading to a touchdown pass from quarterback Kaden Hopkin to tie the game at 7-7.

“It was amazing,” said Tigers player Nicolas Vasquez. “All that work we put in felt it wasn’t for nothing. It was a team effort.” Hopkin finished the game with 115 passing yards and two touchdowns, including a stunning 31-yard pass to Nick Leopardi, giving Holy Family a brief 14-7 lead in the third quarter.

However, Windsor’s defense adjusted and regained momentum, with Mason Moore and Czyszczon each adding a touchdown for the Wizards. The Tigers’ final drive fell short, ending with a fourth-and-9 stop at midfield with just four minutes remaining. Coach Gabriel noted, “I think they figured us out a little bit and we wore down.”

The Tigers concluded their impressive 2025 season with an 11-2 record, showcasing resilience and teamwork throughout their campaign. Gabriel expressed pride in his players, emphasizing their growth and leadership: “These 15 seniors stuck with it… They should walk around with their heads high.”

Looking ahead, Windsor will now advance to face Pomona in the state championship game next week, leaving the Tigers with a bittersweet ending but a promising future.

Ochs reflected on the team’s unity, stating, “Holy Family athletics, it’s not just a team. It’s a band of brothers and sisters… It’s about how hard we work.” The Tigers’ journey may have ended, but their spirit and dedication remain a testament to their commitment.