The dominating Black & Gold Yoc Boyz look to defeat their long-time rivals
By Allen D. Payton
This Friday night, Oct. 30, 2026, the 7-1 Antioch High Panthers Varsity Football Team takes on the 5-3 Pittsburg Pirates at home in Eells Stadium at 7:00 p.m. The JV game begins at 4:30 p.m.
So far this season, Antioch has dominated all but one of their opponents by defeating Dublin High 29-7, Bear Creek 54-14, Heritage 24-6, Emerald 54-0, Deer Valley 40-12, Hercules 62-0, and Freedom 52-18. The team’s only loss was a nailbiter with a score of 20-21 against San Leandro.
Friday night’s game is the second-to-last for the season with the Panthers’ final game to be played against Liberty on Friday, Nov. 6th.
11 Athletes, 1 Coach, 1 Team and a Community Leader to be honored Oct. 3
By Antioch Sports Legends
The Antioch Sports Legends Hall of Fame has announced its Class of 2026 inductees, who will be honored Saturday, Oct. 3, during a gala dinner at the Lone Tree Golf and Event Center beginning at 5 p.m.
11 Athletes, 1 Coach, 1 Team and a Community Leader Join Honorees of 100-Year Sports History of Athletes from Antioch. The gala dinner brings together more than 300 attendees, including inductees, alumni, guests, and volunteers, all united to honor our incredible athletes, coaches, and community members who’ve helped shape Antioch’s sports legacy.
“Since our inception in 2007, the Antioch Sports Legends Hall of Fame (ASLHOF) has inducted the “Best of the Best” male and female athletes in Antioch. Our goal is to preserve the rich, historical achievements in all sports for present and future generations to enjoy,” Eddie Beaudin, one of the Sports Legends five founders said.
For more than 100 years, Antioch’s “Best of the Best” athletes have made history locally and nationally. This year is no different The Class of 2026 Inductees is highlighted by a 13-time collegiate All-American track standout; three legendary football players from years past, including one who starred in the 1971 Fiesta Bowl; a two-time state junior college champion wrestler and All-American; a hard-throwing pitcher who earned junior college All-American honors before a seven-year professional baseball career; and the first female athlete from Antioch to receive a full athletic scholarship to a major college.
The class also includes a longtime coach who guided his golf team to seven consecutive league titles and a remarkable 56-match winning streak, along with a trailblazing girl’s water polo team that captured an NCS championship.
This year’s 19th Hall of Fame class inductees include:
Vicki Gonzales All-Around Female Athlete Antioch High School (1983)
Vern Shure All-Around Male Athlete Antioch High School (1983)
Laura Clark Volleyball Antioch High School (1978)
Erin Jones Softball Antioch High School (2009)
Chizoba Okodogbe Track & Field Deer Valley High School (2010)
Anthony Cress Wrestling Antioch High School (2010)
Brett Cornelison Football Antioch High School (1984)
Roger Davis Football Antioch High School (1967)
Evan Grimes Track & Field Antioch High School (2010) Nick
Pasquale Baseball Antioch High School (2009)
Rob Patton Football Antioch High School (1985)
Girls Varsity Water Polo Outstanding Team Antioch High School (1993)
Brian Kofford Golf Outstanding Coach Deer Valley High School
Laura Jacques Outstanding Community Leader
Limited tickets are available for purchase. Tickets will not be sold at the door. Purchase your tickets now to support our outstanding athletes while they are available.
Or you can stop by our office any Wednesday or Saturday from 1pm – 4pm.during the hours the museum is open. Please call us at 925-382-0565 if you have any questions. (cash or checks are also accepted)
Tickets are $90 each.
The weekend celebration kicks off with the popular ASLHOF Alumni Golf Tournament on Fri. Oct. 2, which is already sold out.
At the museum on Sat., Oct. 3, from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., the new ASLHOF Class of 2026 displays will be unveiled. The displays are open to the public. Admission is always free.
That Saturday night the Sports Legends Hall of Fame induction dinner and ceremony takes place at the Lone Tree Golf and Event Center at 5 p.m.
The Antioch Sports Legends Hall of Fame is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization that showcases and honors the achievements of 275 individual inductees and 19 teams (including players and coaches). It is located in the Antioch Historical Society Museum, 1500 West Fourth Street in Antioch. The museum is open to the public on Wednesdays and Saturdays from 1 to 4 p.m. free of charge. The Antioch Historical Museum resides within the 1910 Riverview High School, a site listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Please SHARE and LIKE on your social media accounts, help us announce the Class of 2026!
Najee Harris in his new N.Y. Giants jersey with #22 on it, as he’s worn in college and the NFL, answers questions during a press conference after practice at the Quest Diagnostics Training Centeron Tuesday, Aug. 18, 2026. Video screenshot source: NY Giants
Will play for Head Coach John Harbaugh after playing for his brother Jim with L.A. Chargers
“Ready to get back. Got my confidence back, too. I think this is a good opportunity here. I have a lot to prove as somebody coming back from a torn Achilles.” – Najee Harris
By Dan Salomone, Director, Editorial Strategy, New York Giants
The New York Giants today (Tuesday, Aug. 18th) signed Najee Harris, a former Pro Bowl running back who needs no introduction to his new head coach.
John Harbaugh faced Harris repeatedly in the rugged AFC North.
“I felt like the hair on the back of my neck stood up when I saw him over there,” Harbaugh said Monday after the Giants worked Harris out. “He’s a big dude.”
Harris was drafted 24th overall by the Steelers in 2021, never missing a start while rushing for 1,000 yards in each of his first four seasons. He then signed with the Chargers, who are led by John’s brother Jim Harbaugh, as a free agent in 2025. But his season was cut short when he suffered a torn Achilles in a Week 3 game against the Broncos. The next week, the Chargers faced the Giants at MetLife Stadium in Jaxson Dart’s first career start.
“He’s an experienced back,” Harbaugh said after they signed him on Tuesday. “Anybody that’s watched him play knows what type of a back he is. He’s a downhill runner, physical runner. I’ve played against him a lot. I have a good feel for who he is as a player. Everybody that’s been around him, my brother, G-RO (Senior Offensive Assistant Greg Roman), (former Pittsburgh Steelers Head Coach) Mike Tomlin, love him as a teammate. So, excited for the possibilities.”
Harris was added to a running backroom that recently lost Dante Miller, who suffered a groin injury in the preseason opener.
“I want opportunity,” Harris said after his first practice with the Giants. “I think this is a good opportunity here. I think the style of play that they’re heading towards is the style of play that aligns with me. Harbaugh coming from the AFC North, me playing against him a lot of times, I know the type of style of football he wants. I think that we align with each other with what type of football we want to play. I think that just coming here is a good opportunity, and I’m willing to just put my foot in there and help out in any way I can.”
Najee Harris. Official NY Giants photo.
Harris has played in 71 regular-season games with 68 starts. His career numbers include 1,112 rushing attempts for 4,373 yards (3.9 yards per carry) and 28 touchdowns, in addition to 183 catches for 1,174 yards and six more scores. Harris, 6-1 and 242 pounds, has also started three postseason games.
Before the injury, Harris ranked fifth in the NFL in rushing yards from 2021-24. He became the 14th player in NFL history to record 1,000 rushing yards in each of his first four seasons.
In 2021, he was selected to the Pro Bowl and named All-Rookie by the Professional Football Writers of America.
He finished his Crimson Tide career as the program’s all-time leader in rushing yards (3,843), scrimmage yards (4,624) and total touchdowns (57), while tying for the most rushing touchdowns in school history (46).
Harris also won the Doak Walker Award, which annually recognizes college football’s best running back, and earned unanimous All-American recognition after setting a single-season program record with 30 total touchdowns en route to his second College Football Playoff title.
“I most definitely go into every year with a chip on my shoulder, but more so much this year,” Harris said. “I have a lot to prove as somebody coming back from a torn Achilles. Really everything that I did in the past is in the past, and everything I do now is really what matters. I know there are going to be a lot of questions of how I’ll come back looking, and I’m ready to answer all those.”
Najee Harris jokes with a reporter during the press conference. Video screenshot source: NY Giants
Career at Antioch High School
Prior to his college career, Harris developed as a running back with the Antioch High School Panthers in California. As a freshman, he was 6-foot-1 and 185 pounds with wide shoulders and a big frame. Within just a few weeks of joining the Panthers’ football program, Harris was pulled up to varsity as a freshman. By his junior year, Antioch High went undefeated and won a league championship for the first time in 31 years.
At the time he joined the Steelers, Harris was the 11th person to make it to the NFL from Antioch High. He was also the first Antioch High alum to be drafted since 1999. The last time an AHS alum was selected in the first round was 1969.
In that video, Harris also said, “Ready to get back. I feel great. It’s been a process. Learned a lot about myself. Had a great off-season with the PT’s (physical therapists) at Elite OrthoSport. They got me back. Got my confidence back, too.”
For kids in grades 3-8; deadline extended to Aug. 17
By Antioch Recreation Department
The field is calling — there’s still time to GET IN THE GAME! NFL FLAG Football registration has been EXTENDED through August 17!
Calling all kids in grades 3–8 — grab your friends and get ready to run, catch, score, and HAVE FUN! Whether you’re new to football or ready to show off your skills, we want YOU on the field!
Rookies (ages 8-10), All-Stars (ages 10-12), Champions (12-14)
DON’T MISS THE NEW DEADLINE: AUGUST 17!
Experience the speed, skill, agility and action of the gridiron without the contact associated with tackle football. This co-ed program will feature one 45-minute practice during the week followed by one 45-minute game on Saturday mornings. The goal of this program is to develop the skill of our young athletes while also exposing them to sportsmanship, teamwork and healthy lifestyles that so important to local youth; all while having fun. Each child receives their own NFL Flag Football Jersey and flag belt. Volunteer coaches receive a 50% discount from their child’s registration fee.
Registration is now open for the 16th Annual Antioch PAL Golf Tournament—a day of golf that directly supports youth programs through the Antioch Police Activities League.
Whether you’re signing up as an individual golfer, bringing a foursome, or sponsoring the event, your participation helps provide positive opportunities for local youth.
Sponsorship opportunities are also available for businesses and community partners looking to make an impact while gaining visibility throughout the event.
The Cornerstone Christian School championship basketball teams were honored by the Antioch City Council on April 14, 2026. Photo: City of Antioch
By Allen D. Payton
During their meeting on April 14, 2026, the Antioch City Council honored both the Cornerstone Christian School Cougars boys’ and girls’ varsity basketball teams for their state championships this year. In addition, on Thursday, May 28, 2026, the Antioch Sports Legends hosted and honored the teams, in their wing inside the Antioch Historical Museum.
Source: CIF
The undefeated boys’ team won the California Interscholastic Federation (CIF) Boys Division III State Championship defeating the Birmingham Patriots of Lake Balboa, CA, 74-64 at the Golden One Center in Sacramento on March 13th. They ended their season with a 29-8 overall record and 12-0 for first place in league. (See game video)
The boys’ basketball team was also the 2024 North Coast Section (NCS) and Norcal State Champions.
Photo courtesy of Cornerstone Christian School.Source: MaxPreps
Source: CIF
The undefeated, number one seeded girls’ team won the NorCal Girls Division VI Championship by dominating and defeating the number two seed Redding Christian Lions 48-27 inside the Cornerstone Christian gym on March 11th. They ended the season with a record of 27-7 and 10-0 for first place in league. (See game video)
The girls’ team was also the 2023 NCS and Norcal State Champions.
Photo courtesy of Cornerstone Christian School.Source: MaxPreps
The City Council’s proclamation reads as follows:
RECOGNITION HONORING CORNERSTONE CHRISTIAN SCHOOL’S
2026 STATE CHAMPIONSHIP BASKETBALL TEAMS
APRIL 2026
WHEREAS, Cornerstone Christian Center and Cornerstone Christian School have long served as valued institutions in the Antioch community, fostering spiritual growth, community engagement,
and a commitment to developing young people of purpose, integrity, and service;
WHEREAS, Cornerstone Christian School has built a strong reputation for providing an education that supports the development of students academically, spiritually, and athletically, while
encouraging excellence, discipline, leadership, and character;
WHEREAS, throughout the 2025–2026 basketball season, both the Cornerstone Christian School Girls and Boys High School Basketball Teams demonstrated extraordinary perseverance, teamwork, sportsmanship, and dedication, representing their school and the City of Antioch with pride and distinction;
WHEREAS, the Cornerstone Christian School Girls Basketball Team achieved an exceptional milestone by winning the 2026 CIF State Division VI Championship, reflecting the team’s resilience, unity, and unwavering commitment to excellence;
WHEREAS, the Cornerstone Christian School Boys Basketball Team achieved a historic accomplishment by securing the 2026 CIF State Championship, establishing a new legacy of excellence for the school and bringing great pride to the Antioch community;
WHEREAS, these accomplishments reflect not only the talent and hard work of the student-athletes, but also the invaluable leadership of coaches, the support of families, and the strength of the broader Cornerstone Christian School community; and
WHEREAS, the success of these teams has brought honor to the City of Antioch and serves as an inspiration to future generations to pursue excellence in athletics, academics, and character.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, RON BERNAL, Mayor of the City of Antioch, hereby proclaim April 14, 2026, as a day of recognition honoring the Cornerstone Christian School, Girls and Boys Basketball Teams for their 2026 CIF State Championship victories, and extend sincere congratulations to the student-athletes, coaches, school leadership, families, and the entire Cornerstone Christian School community.
Cornerstone Christian, CIF Boys Div. III State Basketball Champions Left to right: Alkeise Boddie, Brian McMurtrie, Pierre Tyson, Benjamin Lukacs, Elijah Longstreth, Marijan Kelly, James Perry, Tom Menasco (ASL Co-Founder), Jaden Taylor-West, Head Coach Michael Thomasson, Anthony Thomasson, Eddie Beaudin (ASL Co-Founder), Amari Woodard, Antonio Coleman, Jacob Williams, Ethan Banks. Not pictured: Ryan Seto, Uriah Wade, Ethan Banks, Brian McMurtrie, Assistant Coaches Thomas Brown, Tyree Murray, Jaden Shyne, Terrell Woodard. Photo: Antioch Sports Legends
Antioch Sports Legends Also Honor Teams
According to a May 29th post on their Facebook page, the “Antioch Sports Legends had the honor of welcoming the Cornerstone Christian High School varsity basketball teams to the museum to celebrate an incredible season!
“The students-athletes had the opportunity to explore the Sports Legends Hall of Fame—many for the very first time.
“We proudly recognized two outstanding teams:
CIF Boys Division III State Champions the Cornerstone Christian HS Boys Team
NorCal Girls Division VI Champions the Cornerstone Christian HS Girls Team
Azariah Wiley, Camille Bartolo, Kayli Bertrand, Tom Menasco (ASL Co-Founder), Coach Ariel Jackson, Eddie Beaudin (ASL Co-Founder), Jada Mayse, Danielle Balogun, Sanaa Boykin, Evalyn Mucio, Alexandrea Hall, Kenenna Amajioyi. Not pictured Laila Alexander, Bre’ah Butler, Bri’elle Phillips, Head Coach Madison Alexander. Photo: Antioch Sports Legends
“A special thank you to Gary Bras and Kris Del Monte for organizing this memorable event, and to Sports Legends co-founders Tom Menasco and Eddie Beaudin for presenting awards to these talented student-athletes.
“Congratulations to Cornerstone Christian High School on a remarkable year—we are proud to celebrate your success and dedication both on and off the court.”
Both teams were presented with plaques bearing the Antioch Sports Legends logo recognizing their accomplishments.
Cornerstone Christian School provides a well-rounded academic, extra-curricular, and spiritual experience. The foundational purpose of our facilities, programs, curriculum choices, and most of all our dedicated teachers and staff is to inspire your child in the joy of learning and a love for God and His Son Jesus. We want to partner with you, the parent, to bring about the best in your child. The school is located at 1745 E. 18th Street in Antioch. For more information visit www.cornerstonechristianschool.net.
Please help us spread the word by sharing our sponsorship flyer with local businesses, family-owned shops, restaurants, employers and community partners.
Every sponsorship helps support our athletes and provides them with opportunities, resources and memorable experiences throughout the season.
