Palma High School Head Football Coach Jeff Carnazzo reflects on 200th career win

SALINAS, Calif. (KION-TV) - Palma Football Head Coach Jeff Carnazzo is just one win away from breaking the late Norm Costa's career win record. Carnazzo earned his 200th victory in dramatic fashion against Aptos at Rabobank Stadium.

"We've caught lightning in a bottle here and played very well," Carnazzo said.

Thanks to sophomore Gio Gutierrez's game-winning field goal, the Chieftains outlasted the Mariners 24-21 to secure their seventh consecutive win.

"It is a reflection of this school and the disciplined environment that we have in the classroom that easily transfers to the field," Carnazzo said.

While the victory marks a major career milestone for Carnazzo, his next win holds even more significance. Carnazzo is currently tied at 200 wins with his longtime mentor, Norm Costa.

Carnazzo played for Costa during his career and later served as Costa's assistant coach at Palma High School. Reaching 201 career wins means Carnazzo would surpass a figure who has played a massive role in his life.

"So much of who I was as an athlete and who I am as a coach, I attribute to Norm Costa," Carnazzo said. "There's been a lot of emotion on my part, just thinking a lot about him and about what he meant to me and my career."

"I'm sure he's looking down and proud," Carnazzo said.