Elsinore Tigers’ Fans Onboard For CIF Ride

The Friday night lights are still on at the stadium in Wildomar.

In a tough game that saw intense focus on both sides of the field, the Tigers defeated West Valley, 60-39, Friday night in the first round of the CIF Southern Section Eastern Division playoffs.

With the win, the Tigers now advance to the second round against the Serrano Diamondbacks.

As Tigers’ players and coaches ready for that Nov. 25 game, Elsinore fans are there all the way.

Dressed in a red Tigers sweatshirt and tiger-striped baggies, Lake Elsinore mom Diane Padgett was in the stands Friday night cheering on her team. Her sons played athletics at the school and have since graduated, yet she still turns out for every game.

With a voice that carries louder and larger than any football coach could ever match, Padgett does some bleachers quarterbacking and then drops down a few decibels and politely explains why Elsinore High School’s fan base is special.

“We’re one big family,” she said. “Even on the road we outnumber fans on the other side.”

During a CIF playoff game away last year against Fontana Summit, Padgett said the booster club and Tigers' fan base plastered the city of Fontana with Elsinore High School signs.

“Every street corner, every light post," she said. "Inside the stadium, we had signs all the way down the fence, and we had more fans than they did.”

The Tigers went on to win that game and advance to Championship, and it could happen again this season.

“They have the heart to come out and play hard every week,” Padgett said.

A few rows over from Padgett, the “Red Sea” huddled together under blankets. The loyal Tigers’ diehards are parents, friends, and city dignitaries like Lake Elsinore Councilman Daryl Hickman and Commissioner Rick Morsch, who come out regularly to show support.

Lake Elsinore resident Bill Patten, whose son played on the 2010 CIF championship team, told why he’s a big Tigers’ backer.

“I came out at 8 a.m. on (championship) game day last year, and I never left the stadium,” he said. “It was one of the greatest days of my life. We love Elsinore football. Coach P’s the greatest.”

Coach P is Tony Peralta, lauded by his peers and players alike. His big win last year was the first in the school’s long history.

Patten said his son, who hung up his jersey to attend college in Florida, gained confidence under Peralta.

“He’s there because of Coach P and Elsinore football.”

Seated a few spots down a proud grandfather boasts about his Tigers' grandkids, varsity cheerleader Hanah Whitely and her brother, frosh football player Curtis.

Cindy Close is another loyal Tigers fan. Her son doesn’t play, but he joins his mom, dad and grandmother every home game. Together, they help man the booster club booth.

Close said they do it because Elsinore football is a worthwhile program.

“The dedication is unbelievable,” she said.

Booster club president Marichel Diaz is partly to blame for such fan loyalty. She works to get the word out and supports the boys at home and on the road.

Elsinore High School Activities Director Danny Templeton also gets credit, according to the school’s principal, Jon Hurst.

“The school spirit here is incredible,” he said.

Padgett explained that the spirit doesn't go away.

“Tiger for life.”