De La Salle playing with more spirit — Steve Jacoby's spirit — heading into California football state championship vs. Mission Viejo

Spartans are considerable underdog against bigger, more athletic Diablos, but inspiration of their 12th man gives them a fighting chance

De La Salle’s 41-0 win Dec. 1 over an undefeated Clovis North team was a head scratcher. The Central Section’s No. 1 team came into the CIF Division 1-AA Regional Championship with a mountain of momentum and a seemingly endless supply of offensive firepower.

They averaged better than 30 points and nearly 400 yards per game, never scoring less than three touchdowns in any games.

Yet, the Spartans shut them out and gave up just over 200 yards in a surprisingly lopsided victory.

De La Salle senior defensive lineman Chris Biller didn’t seem particularly shocked by the win or one-sided result. Nothing they’ve done since Oct. 19th carries much any greater meaning, value or substance than the light and breath of a new day.

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The Spartans’ immensely popular defensive line coach Steve Jacoby died that day — suddenly, shockingly, tragically of natural causes. He had just turned 61 that week.

The day coach Justin Alumbaugh gave the horrific news, the Spartans sobbed, then decided to play that night against another undefeated team, El Cerrito, and prevailed 31-12. They’ve won five more en route to North Coast Section and regional crowns.

Friday they play for a state championship against an old rival, Mission Viejo, at Saddleback College in the Diablos’ home town. Most consider the Spartans (11-2) a considerable underdog to the bigger and more athletic Southern California champions.

Biller, an undersized 6-foot-1, 220-pound interior lineman, isn’t so sure. 

The Spartans, after all, are playing with an extra man. Since Jacoby's passing, they've played with an extra drive, extra passion, an extra spirit. 

Namely, Jacoby's powerful spirit. 

Unmovable force

They certainly did Friday, Biller said, explaining the unexplainable of how De La Salle was able to stymie the proficient Broncos and their veer attack. Except for a couple late drives during a running-clock fourth quarter, the Spartans were unmovable.

“(Jacoby) was right on the sidelines (Friday), always with us, touching our hearts,” Biller said. “He was the best man I’ve met in my entire life. He’s sitting right on our shoulders.

“He’s taught us everything we know. We’re doing it for him."  

Chris Biller (51) rejoicing in a another big play during De La Salle's 41-0 win over Clovis North on Friday at Owen Owens Field / Photo: Dennis Lee

By every account, Biller is the prototypical player Jacoby produced over his 17-year on staff. A smallish, athletically limited, but relentless grunt of a standout.

Biller is second on the team with 57 tackles, with a team-best 21 of those for losses. He leads the team with 6.5 sacks after last season recording 61 tackles in 13 games.

“The energy (Biller) brings on the defensive side of the ball is infectious,” Alumbaugh said. “You just want to start playing hard like him. He goes. His motor is incredible.”

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Alumbaugh noted a play Friday, a well-executed screen pass, that Biller ran down from the opposite side of the field.

“He chased him down 25 yards on the other side of the field,” Alumbaugh said. “He’s constantly in offenses’ backfields. He’s not the biggest of kids, but he’s strong as an ox.”

De La Salle’s leading tackler, 6-3, 220-pound senior linebacker Drew Cunningham, has noticed his team’s overall uptick and intensity since Jacoby’s passing. Especially along the defensive front, where Jacoby focused.

“He’s definitely looking down on us ever since he passed,” said Cunningham, who has 74 tackles. “It’s been tough but we’ve dedicated this entire season to him. We're playing for him. And the way we’re playing, I think he’s smiling down on us right now.”

Organic inspiration

Including the El Cerrito win, the Spartans have allowed just 46 points in six games. Alumbaugh believes it’s “absolutely no coincidence” that De La Salle is playing well above its head defensively. There's no need to use the tragedy as a rallying point.

“It’s all organic," Alumbaugh said. “I utterly miss my friend. We all do. But it makes me proud knowing our kids are playing for him and honoring him.” 

Drew Cunningham (18) celebrate with the game in hand as Chris Biller (51) walks off the field during a 41-0 CIF Northern California Division 1-AA championship win over Clovis North on Dec. 1, 2023.  / Photo: Dennis Lee

They’ll need an extra push to defeat Mission Viejo, which features top linemen prospects such as Mark Schroller (6-6, 295) and Daxton Christman-Gourley (6-6, 270).

Among their many Power 5 conference prospects are cornerback Dijon Lee (6-3, 185), wide receiver Phillip Bell (6-2, 195), sophomore receiver Vance Spafford (77 catches, 1,510 yards, 21 touchdowns). 

They also have a 1,000-yard rusher in Hinesward Lilomaiava — yes named after the former Steelers' wide receiver — and Boise State bound athletes Treyvon Tolmaire and Travis Anderson. 

De La Salle played Mission Viejo four straight years, starting in 2004, splitting four games. Mission Viejo, led by QB Mark Sanchez, won the first two 17-14 and 36-26, while De La Salle rebounded with wins of 35-28 and 35-7.

“This (Mission Viejo) team looks very similar to those teams we played,” Alumbaugh said. “Very, very big. Well coached. Physical, Aggressive on defense. Their size and physicality are major issues. They obviously have some great athletes too.” 

But they don't have a 12th man. At least, not one named coach Jacoby. 

"It sucks that he’s gone, but we’re playing through him," Biller said. "I just loved the man.”

The late Steve Jacoby / Courtesy photo: De La Salle