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Tough, Disciplined and Exciting define
the Cathedral High School Football teams under
Head Coach Kevin Pearson.
Coach Pearson graduated from
South Gate High School in 1983 where he lettered in
three sports, Football, Basketball & Baseball. He ended
his playing career in 1984 at East L.A. College where he
played quarterback. He then earned his
Bachelor of Science Degree in Physical Education from Cal State
Los Angeles and subsequently earned a Masters of Education
Degree from Azusa Pacific University.
Coach Pearson began coaching
football at his high school alma mater before accepting
a head coach position at CHS in 1995. Pearson served
as Head Coach at Taft High School for one year before
returning in 2004. He currently serves as
Los Angeles Regional Director for FBU (The largest football camp
in the country). Coach also works several elite combines
such as the ESPN, Nike and Schumann combines. In addition,
he has also coached in many All-Star games.
Coach Pearson had an immediate impact on the football
program as he led the Phantoms to an 8-3 record and a
first round playoff birth during his first season. During his second year
at the helm, he directed the Phantoms to the CIF
championship game, the school’s first such appearance
since 1930. That same year also brought the
school’s first league title in 16 years and first
outright league title since 1954. Under Coach
Pearson, the Phantoms went on to win six consecutive
league championships and earned playoff appearances in
all 11 of his 13 seasons, including five straight semifinal
appearances. He has compiled a 118-36 (.766)
won-loss record in those 13 seasons.
Despite moving up two divisions and competing
against schools that have moved down divisions such as
former Division I Crespi and former Division III Serra,
the Phantoms have stayed consistently ranked in the top
three in their division, as well as in the top ten in
the state Division IV polls. Also, during those
13
seasons, over 30 Phantom football players have earned all CIF
honors, four were named Prep All-Americans, and over 20 have
gone on to play NCAA football.
The Phantoms' offense has achieved great success during
Coach Pearson’s tenure. Many state and two
national records were set during his time. In
fact, CHS is believed to be the only school to lead the
state in rushing touchdowns one year and passing
touchdowns the following year during the regular season.
In 1997, running-back Chris Hanks scored 49 touchdowns
in the regular season and the very next year
quarterback Robert De La Cruz threw for 61, becoming the
first quarterback in the nation to throw for 60 in a
season. De La Cruz still holds the state record of 65
touchdowns for a season (1999). As a junior wide
receiver Earvin Johnson tied the state record of 29
touchdown receptions in 1999 and ended his Cathedral
career with a state record of 64. Indeed, the
Phantoms have averaged almost 40 points a game during
Coach Pearson’s twelve seasons.
Statistics aside, Coach Pearson’s teams have been
recognized for their discipline, fundamentals and
execution.
Even more impressive than the success on the field is the fact that Coach Pearson has a greater, more important goal for his players than just winning games.
“It is my hope and desire that each young man who goes through our program has a great experience and leaves a better person. I believe on working diligently on not only developing great student athletes, but great Christian men.” When asked for his program’s goal, Coach Pearson answered,
“Our mission in this program above all else, is to glorify God through this game of football. I want each young man to understand that this life is about glorifying God and not ourselves…that we were made by God and for God.” Coach Pearson continues by saying
“Hopefully through God’s grace we could all come to recognize and appreciate all of God’s blessings, especially His greatest gift of all, our Lord Jesus Christ.”
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