La Serna’s football championship was a big reward for respected coach Andy George

For La Serna football coach Andy George, it’s been a great nine-year run as head of the program.

But one big thing had escaped the 47-year-old in all those years, a CIF Southern Section title, which he finally crossed off the list over the weekend.

Oh sure, George was part of the Lancers’ CIF-SS Southeast Division title team in 2013 as the receivers coach under coach Margarito Beltran that defeated Norwalk in double overtime, but that ring didn’t say “head coach.”

George was very proud of that team, with a senior quarterback, Frankie Palmer, that finally won a title in his third try as the signal caller.

As a head coach, George had been close. La Serna lost to nearby La Mirada in the Southeast Division title game in 2015. And La Serna and George lost a hearbreaker in 2019, falling at home in the Division 6 title game to Oxnard Pacifica, 42-41.

Yes, third time was the charm.

La Serna routed visiting Corona Del Mar in Friday’s Division 4 championship, winning 49-29 in front of a packed house at California High school, giving George the championship he had been chasing.

George, who with his wife Jenna have three daughters, Kinsley (7), Camdyn (5) and Chandler (4), had shared their ups and downs during the journey that finally ended with him raising the elusive plaque on Friday.

“It was nice to get the win,” said George, a former Lancers alum graduated in 1995. “I feel like I’ve never left La Serna. It’s an honor to win a CIF championship for my alma mater. This is a championship for current and former players.”

This is not the end of the story La Serna (11-3), who will be at home in Friday’s CIF State Southern California Division 2-AA regional title game against CIF-SS Division 5 champion Orange Vista (11-3), with the winner advancing to next week’s state championship.

But certainly, this week will be nice for the George family. Jenna George is a teacher at La Serna and she couldn’t of been more proud of her husband.

“We are so proud of the incredible efforts, hours of dedication and the class with which Andy runs the La Serna Football program,” Jenna George said. “He has been the rock through all the storms that have come our way over these past years.

“Through tragedy and triumph, Andy is our constant, remaining strong and persevering through it all. This was his year; his championship game and we knew he was the man to bring it home. It’s an honor to be the one at his side when all his dreams come true.”

The “ups” were the numerous great athletes and kids that came through the program, that championship in 2013, three CIF-SS finals appearances as head coach and seven Del Rio League titles in his nine years.

The “downs” included the loss of his sister Sarah and niece Payton in the horrific Kobe Bryant helicopter crash in 2020 . There was also the tragic death of players players Jeremy St. Julian and Cody Stewart.

“Our family has been through a lot,” Andy George added. “We persevered, and we lean on each other, and I lean on my coaches and the players.

“But, most importantly my wife Jenna is my rock, and I couldn’t do this without her, and we are a team, and it was great to experience this together.”

George also took on a new role, replacing longtime athletic director Steve Hemenway.

“I am truly happy for Andy,” said the recently retired Hemenway. “Seeing Andy step into my role as athletic director lets me know La Serna got the right guy. The commitment, discipline, and respect he displays and demands of his program has and will continue to develop these players into the more important role of hard working, responsible men.

“I have had the pleasure of watching him develop into a great coach, leader and mentor. More important than all of those is he is a super husband and father.”

One big factor in Andy George’s journey to this title is a big contribution from a very special family of four boys that played on these teams.

The Long family – quarterbacks Dylan and Jake, running back and linebacker Owen and up and coming freshman quarterback Grady.

“The Long family, they are an incredible family,” George said. “They are incredible young men and it’s been an honor to coach them.”

Senior Owen Long had a breakout season this year with four touchdown and nearly 200 yards in Friday’s championship. He leads them with over 1,300 yards and 24 touchdowns.

“What he puts into us, it’s only right that he gets these results from us,” said Long, an Idaho commit. “Coach George has done everything for us.”

Long opened his four-year varsity career as a freshman with his first big hit on defense, sending a running back flying out of bounds. He continued that the next few years, including a big block in the championship game Friday, reminiscent of his first hit.

“Owen worked so hard all year long just to put him and us in this position,” added George. “He just transformed himself.”

Dylan and Jake Long were both quarterbacks for the Lancers and actually overlapped with Owen Long as a freshman on the varsity during the COVID-shortened season.

“To see coach George get this win is big for him,” Dylan Long said. “We know how much it means for him and we all we’re pulling for him every year.”

Jake Long also added, “I do think we had a part in this, and everyone earned a part of it each year. It’s great to see them finally succeed.”