WHITTIER — After a slow start to the season, Pioneer came all the way back and won the program’s first CIF Southern Section championship with a stifling defense that led to a 13-6 win over visiting San Gabriel for the Division 14 title on Saturday night.

The Titans (9-5) lost four of six games during the middle of the season, but rebounded to win their fifth straight Saturday night to raise the championship plaque.

“I just think (the championship) is great for the community and for us to win is just an awesome experience,” Pioneer coach Ramon Juarez said. “Having Chuck (Willig) as my offensive coordinator has been a godsend for us.”

Willig had previously been the Titans’ head coach for eight years.

“The defense stepped up big with a couple of turnovers that were very important for us,” added Juarez.

San Gabriel (7-7) was appearing in its fourth championship in school history. It won its only title in 2022.

Leading the way for Pioneer was junior Jose Rojas with 170 yards receiving and two touchdowns on four catches.

He caught TD passes of 92 and 47 yards.

“It means everything, and nobody believed in us,” Rojas said. “I feel for everyone right now. I’m happy for my boys that did good on defense. I just took over the offense and we got the win.”

Pioneer senior quarterback Amiri Resendiz threw for 170 yards and completed all four of his passes to Rojas.

San Gabriel junior running back Adam Mascorro had a game-high 186 yards and a touchdown on 34 carries.

In a quick first half with both teams combining for six possessions, Pioneer scored twice to take a 13-0 halftime lead.

Both TDs came through the air to Rojas.

After the Pioneer defense stopped San Gabriel at the 10-yard line on its opening drive, the Titans’ 12-play drive on their first possession ended with an interception by junior safety Christopher Ramirez.

However, all it took was two plays for the Titans to get on the scoreboard with a short pass in stride to Rojas and he outsprinted the Matadors defense for a 92-yard TD and 7-0 lead early in the second quarter.

A second big defensive stop by the Titans late in the first half led to the second and only other score by Pioneer, as Rojas got behind the defense for a 47-yard touchdown reception and 13-0 lead as time expired.

After a three-and-out by the Titans, Mascorro culminated an 11-play drive with a 4-yard touchdown run. The 2-point conversion run failed, and Pioneer held a 13-6 lead.

San Gabriel had one last chance to tie the score after a 50-yard run by Mascorro with 3:18 left in the game, but a holding penalty nullified the play.