2018 CCCAA State Champions: Laney College Eagles
Laney College claimed its first-ever California Community College Athletic Association (CCCAA) football state title with a thrilling 40–35 win over Ventura College at Sacramento City College’s Hughes Stadium.
The Eagles exploded to a 23–0 lead in the first quarter—fueled by back-to-back defensive gems—and never trailed, sealing the school’s first official state championship after more than 50 years of football history.
Game Highlights
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MVP John McDonald dominated the ground game with 217 rushing yards on 38 carries.
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Quarterback Jordon Brookshire threw for three touchdowns and ran in two more.
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Laney’s special teams came up big early: Balewa Byrd blocked a punt that led to a touchdown on the very next play, and Jordan Whittley forced a safety on Ventura’s next possession.
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Brookshire’s 15-yard strike to Angelo Garrett capped off a perfect first quarter: Laney 23, Ventura 0.
Ventura made it a fight—scoring five touchdowns behind quarterback Brock Domann’s four passing TDs, but the Eagles used clock control and clutch execution to stay in front. A final defensive stand at the 13-yard line as time expired preserved Laney’s win.
Fast Facts
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Laney finished 11–2 and earned the CCCAA championship as an at-large selection from the Bay 6 Conference.
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This was the first CCCAA final where both teams were at-large qualifiers, with Ventura also finishing 11–2.
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The Eagles racked up 415 total yards, including 288 on the ground.
Notable Performances
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Tanner Robinson (6'5", 315 lbs) earned Offensive Player of the Game honors for anchoring the O-line.
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Jordon Brookshire: 14-for-21 passing, 127 yards; 18 carries for 50 yards.
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Isaak Parada added a key 29-yard field goal before halftime.
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For Ventura: RB Thomas Duckett had 109 yards and a touchdown; WR Brandon Jordan caught three TDs.
The Laney Eagles Legacy
State Champs. National Contenders. Local Heroes.
In 2018, the Eagles went 11–2 and were named CCCAA State Champions and mythical national champions. Their grit, discipline, and camaraderie were unmatched — and made for compelling viewing around the world.
Media Coverage
Laney in the News:
Exclusive: Netflix Announces What College ‘Last Chance U’ Will Move to In Season Five — Esquire, August 9, 2019
Netflix Chooses Oakland’s Laney College as New Home for ‘Last Chance U’ — Sports Illustrated, August 12, 2019
Netflix picks Oakland’s Laney College as next ‘Last Chance U’ school in hit football docuseries — KGO‑TV/ABC7 News, August 9, 2019
High‑flying Eagles are №1 team in State! — Peralta Citizen, February 5, 2019
Cory Booker’s Message to Laney College
In this heartfelt video message, U.S. Senator Cory Booker delivers a powerful shout‑out to the Laney College Eagles football program — praising the team, the coaches, and the entire campus community for their impact on Oakland and beyond. He celebrates Laney’s culture of hard work, resilience, and leadership, emphasizing that what happens here is bigger than football.
Booker highlights how Laney student‑athletes show up not just on the field, but in the classroom and in their communities, proving what’s possible when young people are supported, believed in, and given a real chance to rise.
His message underscores what Laney represents: opportunity, perseverance, and a commitment to lifting others up.