"As one player said, it was a "magical season" and showed you don't have to rely on transfers to win a Southern Section Division 2 championship. Fenton has coached teams more talented but loaded with transfers. This was the year he stuck with the neighborhood kids who were best friends and played for each other, and what a season they enjoyed."
"You could see on the field at San Clemente after winning the Division 2 title how much he cherished this team and the players cherished him. One by one, they came to receive a hug from their bald coach who looks fit enough to run a marathon. It was real joy and emotion, like reaching the top of a mountain."
Los Alamitos ran an eight-game winning streak to start the season and finished 12-3 after winning the Southern Section Division 2 title over San Clemente. The roster emphasized neighborhood players rather than transfers, with strong bonds and mutual trust fueling consistent effort and focus every game. Coach Ray Fenton prioritized continuity and player development, choosing to keep friends from the local community and trusting them to perform. The championship celebration showed visible emotion as players embraced their coach. Fenton was named The Times' coach of the year for leading a team few expected to reach a section title.
Read at Los Angeles Times
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