With another memorable football season in the books, California players, coaches and parents gathered Sunday afternoon at the high school to recognize the great moments from 2014.
For the outgoing seniors, it was their last football banquet with the Pintos.
"It was a great four years," said quarterback Jaden Barr, who also starred at defensive back and punter. "You think back to all the big games, all the memories. You remember the practices, the locker room and the morning weight lifting. It's sad for it to end, but fun to relive the memories."
Barr, along with all his fellow seniors, can hang their heads high. The Pintos finished 13-1, which included Tri-County Conference and District 6 championships. California lost in the Class 3 semifinals to eventual state champion Oak Grove.
"This is a bittersweet occasion," said Pintos head coach Marty Albertson. "Anytime you graduate a senior group, it's sad to see them move on. But, at the same time, you're proud to remember what they accomplished in high school and what they will accomplish going forward."
Among his favorite moments Sunday, Albertson recognized his four Academic All-State selections: Barr, senior Allan Burger, senior Matt Oerly and junior Aaron Kendrick.
To earn Academic All-State, a player must be a starter on offense or defense and qualify in two of the three categories: 1). A grade-point average of 3.5 or higher; 2). Be in the top 10 percent of their class; 3). Score a 25 or higher on the ACT.
"It says a lot about a person's work ethic and determination to succeed in multiple areas of life, not just football," Barr said. "It takes a full-time commitment to excel in the classroom."
Albertson added: "When they move on to college or get a job, that's how they will support their family and be a contributing member of society. I'm really proud of those kids."
Players also were honored Sunday for their achievements and contributions on the football field.
The team's Offensive Player of the Year award was shared by Barr and senior receiver Drew Norton. Defensive Player of the Year was shared by Burger, a linebacker, and junior defensive back Landon Mouse. The top Lineman award was shared by seniors Nathan Squires and Ramiro Garcia. The Special Teams Player of the Year was senior Walker Borghardt.
The top Newcomer award was given to senior lineman Gavin Pickering, while Practice Player of the Year was shared by senior Kade McAdams and junior Dylan Ratcliff.
"Some of those guys don't always get recognition, but we have so many people contribute on special teams, or even in practice," Barr said. "You see those guys working hard every day to improve."