Immanuel soars to perfection, Minarets makes history with section football titles
.png "Immanuel High poses for a photo after winning the Central Section Division IV title on Friday, Nov. 28, 2025.")
AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom.
- Immanuel hired Henderson in 2021 and rose to 13-0, claiming the 2025 section title.
- Senior Tyler Romo rushed 182 yards, added tackles, interception and leadership.
- Minarets captured its first section crown, now awaiting CIF regional bowl pairings.
When Josh Henderson was announced as the Immanuel High football coach in 2021, there was an expectation that the Eagles would soon rise among the Central Section’s elite.
Henderson, who previously guided Grace Brethren to a Division 2-AA state title in 2018 and claimed a dozen league championships and four section crowns along the way, brought his winning pedigree to Reedley.
On Friday night, Henderson’s impact was undeniable as he led Immanuel to a commanding 48-7 win over top-seed Templeton in the Central Section Division IV championship game. It’s the school’s first section crown under Henderson.
“Best our team has played this year,” Henderson said. “Still evolving, still getting better. Amazing game. Unforgettable.”
From 3-8 to 13-0: The Henderson effect
Just three years ago, Immanuel finished 3-8. Now, in 2025, they’re a perfect 13-0 and eyeing a run in the upcoming CIF regional bowl games.
The Eagles’ path to the title was anything but smooth, facing adversity and stacked competition throughout the postseason.
Henderson pointed to a dominant 37-0 win over Central Valley Christian as the team’s turning point.
From there, the Eagles rolled to a 21-7 win over high-powered McLane in the section semifinals, setting the table for Friday’s finale.
Romo shines on both sides of the ball
Senior running back Tyler Romo was a difference-maker, rushing 11 times for 182 yards and two touchdowns, while playing lockdown defense.
Romo finished with nine tackles, a tackle for loss, and an interception.
“He’s one of 20 seniors who are true warriors for us,” Henderson remarked, crediting the veteran leadership for Immanuel’s remarkable run.
Minarets makes history
Immanuel wasn’t the only team celebrating a title on Friday.
Top-seeded Minarets topped Orosi 21-14 to secure the program’s first-ever section championship in Division VI.
Matthew Carlton set the tone for the Mustangs by recovering a fumble and scoring on a 25-yard pass from quarterback Torin Wolf.
Wolf finished with two touchdown passes — another to Cade Larsen — and added a rushing touchdown in the third quarter, cementing a landmark win for Minarets.
What’s next?
With the Central Section championship plaque in hand, the Eagles and Mustangs must now wait for Sunday’s CIF regional bowl pairings to be released to find out their next challenge.
But for now, Immanuel can savor an unforgettable season with a sense that there may be more history to write.
This story was originally published November 29, 2025 at 1:06 PM.
