heart of a brave
November 26, 2025
A veil of haze hung above the field and there wasn’t an empty seat in the entire stadium. Fans stood along the fence of the track to witness history – either Winters being crowned a back-to-back section champion or Hamilton winning its first title since 2008.
Watching the NSCIF Division IV championship game was like watching a live action movie unfold.
A train horn bellowed from the Winters stands every time the Warriors got a first down. Cowbells echoed whenever Hamilton got a big stop. The energy from each team’s fans fueled the fire on the field.
I’ve watched many high school football games over the last decade. When a team falls behind by two touchdowns, often it’s deflating. Three touchdowns? All hope is diminished. But something was different Wednesday night.
Hamilton senior Adam Simpson (left) applies pressure as Winter’s Ricky Garcia (right) goes for the block.
Despite falling behind 21-0 in the first quarter, not one player on the Hamilton sideline gave up. An inspiring halftime speech by head coach Aaron Elliott reminded the players about previous tough games, the triple OT win and the Hail Mary. It ignited the second half.
Hamilton took the lead in the fourth quarter, but Winters pulled back ahead. A heartbreaking 79-yard touchdown catch to ultimately seal the win for the Warriors.
“I'd say as far as games go, this is probably the most painful one, but also one of the most incredible ones I've been a part of,” Elliott said.
After the game, Hamilton’s white jerseys were stained with mud from the damp field. Steam rose off their heads after giving it their all for four quarters. Tears were shed from both coaches and players.
Hamilton stands are packed for the Northern Section Division IV Championship.
Hamilton's Hayden Boles (7) makes a catch as Winters' Jake Woods (44) applies pressure.
Hamilton’s Adam Simson perfectly described the team’s effort, calling it beautiful. The senior defensive end was proud to wear a Hamilton jersey and play in front of such a loyal and supportive fan base in his final high school football game.
“I didn't grow up in Hamilton. I came to Hamilton for high school, and the community accepted me as one of their own and treated me like a son,” Simson said. “ I'm so blessed to be able to call myself a Hamilton Brave and to fight for the Hamilton Braves.”
Win or lose, that team exemplified what it means to be a Brave – to always play with heart.
Hamilton’s Cesar Leal (15) and Case Porter (8) hug assistant coach Timothy Bushard after the Northern Section Division IV championship game.
Sharon is a former sportswriter with a decade of experience in journalism. Sharon spent nearly eight years covering sports in the Chico area for the local newspaper. Now, Sharon works in marketing and communications but continues to help tell the stories of local athletes.