Santa Fe High School put together a solid 2012 season under first-year head coach David Pierson.Pierson, who took over for longtime coach Jack Mahlstede, guided the Chiefs to an 8-5 record and a CIF-Southern Section Southeast Division semifinal berth.After posting a second-place 4-1 record in the Del Rio League, the Chiefs staged an impressive postseason run by winning two games before falling to Downey 35-3 in last week’s semifinal. Downey will face La Serna in Saturday’s Southeast Division final that is scheduled for 7 p.m. at Cal State Fullerton.

“It came to a screeching halt last week,” Pierson said. “The kids and the coaching staff were disappointed. I take my hat off to Downey and I wish them the best of luck. It will also be nice to see La Serna represent the Del Rio League on Saturday.”

The Chiefs started their playoff journey with a first-round, 11-10 win over Bonita and then went on to stun top-seeded La Mirada 27-26 in the second round.

“It was a great experience,” Pierson said of this season. “We had a good time with the players and we had a lot of memorable moments. I’m very proud of our team.”

Santa Fe sophomore quarterback Christian Lara emerged as the Chiefs’ main offensive weapon by passing for 1,068 yards and seven touchdowns while completing 84 of 165 attempts.

Lara also led the Chiefs’ ground attack with 935 yards and nine scores on 171 carries.

Read more: High School Football: Santa Fe had plenty to be proud of