FONTANA — The only thing that was on the minds of the Bloomington and Fontana football players on Friday night was to get a win in order to secure an automatic playoff spot.
Bloomington came out swinging in the first half, but Fontana’s grit and determination prevailed in a 27-18 home win. Fontana secured an automatic playoff spot for the second consecutive season.
“All we are looking for is a ticket to the dance,” Fontana head coach J. Eric Gonzales said with a smile. “Anything can happen from there.”
The Steelers (6-4, 3-2 Skyline League) extended their winning streak against the Bruins (4-6, 2-3 Skyline League) to two straight games. With the Bruins’ loss, they’ll have to wait until Sunday morning to see if they get an at-large playoff bid. Bloomington hasn’t made the playoffs since 2023.
Bloomington came out of the gate in the first half with all the momentum by utilizing its run game. Senior wide receiver Israel Ramirez found the end zone on a 2-yard touchdown to put the Bruins ahead 6-0. Bloomington scored again on its second possession of the first quarter on a 35-yard receiving touchdown from Steven Salcido.
Ramirez picked up his second touchdown of the half on an 8-yard rushing touchdown to put Bloomington ahead 18-0, but Fontana didn’t flinch. Steelers’ sophomore running back Sebastian Celedonio found the end zone for a 9-yard touchdown to put them on the board.
Fontana dominated the second half with its run game and defense. Celedonio caught a 38-yard touchdown to help Fontana cut Bloomington’s lead to 18-12. Senior quarterback Santiago Celedonio ran for a 39-yard touchdown to put Fontana ahead 20-18.
Santiago Celedonio found the end zone again in the fourth quarter after a 26-yard rushing touchdown to extend the lead 27-18. The Bruins had a chance to cut into the deficit after moving the ball flawlessly with seven minutes to play, but senior strong safety Walter Guerra got the interception.
“I think we came out flat and they took advantage of that,” Bloomington head coach Rick Salazar said on the second-half performance.
The Celedonio brothers were born and raised in Guadalajara, Mexico, and learned English by playing football. Sebastian and Santiago moved to the United States two years ago.
“I’m so proud of those boys. They came here not knowing anybody or a lick of English, and we got them going in the right direction,” Gonzales said. “These boys can ball. I am proud of them.”
Fontana was bounced in the first round of the playoffs last season after losing 51-27 to Mary Star of the Sea.
“We just have to win four games. That’s been kind of our thing that’s been a little bit tough for us is being able to put a string of wins together,” Gonzales said.
