Beaumont downs Citrus Valley, takes control of CBL race

BEAUMONT – The Citrus Valley High football team picked a bad time for its first-ever Citrus Belt League loss to Beaumont.

The Blackhawks fell to the Cougars 35-3 on Friday night at Don Smith Field, all but assuring Beaumont of a CBL title. The Cougars still have Redlands East Valley (1-7) and Redlands (4-4) left on their schedule, but neither seem a threat to upset Beaumont.

“(Beaumont) is a very good football team and they’re going to be CBL champs,” Citrus Valley coach Kurt Bruich said.

It was Beaumont’s first victory against Citrus Valley since 2014, though the teams didn’t start playing regularly against each other until Beaumont joined the CBL in 2021.

“It’s a great feeling (being close to a title),” Beaumont coach Jeff Steinberg said. “I guess it will be something we can appreciate after the season. We just want to take it one week at a time – there’s still two games left – and we won’t take anyone lightly.”