Coach on cusp of history

Coach John Barnes

Griffins Coach Barnes approaches 300th win in game against Marina High

By Dennis Kaiser

All the eyes of Los Alamitos High School football fans will be on the outcome of today’s Los Al Homecoming game against Marina High School.

Set for a 7 p.m. kickoff at Long Beach City College’s Veteran’s Stadium, the game could signal 300 career victories by Coach John Barnes.

Barnes has built the Griffins football program into a dynasty and sent many a player off to post high school football glory.

However, if you ask Barnes, he’ll tell you that he never got into coaching to achieve 300 career victories.  But that doesn’t mean history won’t be made today. In addition to the excitement of history in the making, there will be promotions and giveaways, as thousands in the community are expected to be in attendance for the chance to be a part of the Griffins story.

If Barnes attains win #300, he will be the winningest high school football coach in Orange County and the fourth winningest high school football coach in California.

The first 1,500 students get a free burrito coupon, courtesy of our partner El Pollo Loco, and special “Barnes 300” gear will be available to commemorate this historic event for all who are interested.

If Los Alamitos wins the game, a post-game ceremony will take place on the field to celebrate this milestone.

Hundreds of alumni from the last 34 years of coaching, Los Alamitos Unified School District Board Members, Superintendent Sherry Kropp, friends, families, and more will be in attendance.

For more information, contact Assistant Principal Melissa Miller at mmiller@losal.org.