The South Gate City Council announced it will issue a certificate of appreciation to the Southgate High School varsity football team for winning the CIF Division I/Select City Section championship and said it will present the certificate when team representatives are available.
Mayor and council read the citation praising ‘‘remarkable teamwork, discipline, and commitment’’ and called the season a ‘‘historic victory.’’ Henry Gonzales of the Southgate Rotary Club recounted the team’s history, said the Rotary served “over 600 people” at its Thanksgiving dinner this year, and said he planned to reach out to Principal Gonzales and Coach Saldana to coordinate presentation of the Rotary’s certificate.
Council members and residents praised the last‑second, 48‑yard tipped Hail Mary catch that decided the championship; members encouraged residents to attend the team’s parade Sunday and to support the players. The council recorded the recognition as part of the meeting’s ceremonial items and asked staff to present the certificate when team representatives are present.
The recognition is ceremonial and no formal council action (beyond reading the certificate into the record and committing to make the presentation) was required.