PLEASANTON, Calif. – It was a historic moment for the tight-knit community of Pleasanton.

One of its high school football teams played in a state championship for the first time in school history.

It was Friday night lights as Sidetrack Bar + Grill hosted one of several watch parties on Friday night when the team played in the big game.  

The downtown restaurant served more than food.  

Many staff members are either current or former Amador Valley High School. They, along with the large crowd that turned out, watched the home team play in the Division 3 AA State Championship.

“I get to watch my brother play in the state championship. It’s a surreal moment for him. It’s awesome to have the whole community coming here,” said Matthew Foley, a former Amador Valley High School football player who graduated earlier this year.  

The pride of Pleasanton was on full display in this close-knit community.  

“They’re a great group. We’re proud. They’re representing all of Pleasanton,” said Kelly French, a member of the school’s class of 1993.  

“I know every child on that team, and they are the most amazing kids ever,” said Kelly Cantu, Amador Valley’s attendance secretary who has two children who attend the school.  

Olivia Vollgraf, a recent graduate, said she knows many people who attend the high school and play football.

The Amador Dons played in Long Beach against a team from Bakersfield. This event was for those who couldn’t travel to the game.

“In the world today, with everything going on, it’s nice to have something simple and fun to support the kids, knowing they’re working so hard,”said Todd Utikal, owner of Sidetrack Bar + Grill, who has a daughter who attends Amador.  

The team’s journey was a memorable and teachable moment.  

“The fact that hard work pays off. You work hard in the classroom. You work hard in the field. You achieve your goals,” Michael Jaramillo, a vice principal at Amador Valley.  

Restaurant worker Frankie McBain, who also attends Amador Valley, said he played junior varsity football last year. He said these football players are winners even before the championship game.

“They made it to the state finals. It’s an incredible achievement. They should be proud of themselves,” said McBain.  

The game was close.

But in the end, Amador Dons lost 18-14.

The team returned to Pleasanton on Saturday morning. Community members welcomed them home when they arrived at Amador Valley High School.

Amber Lee is a reporter with KTVU. Email Amber at Amber.Lee@Fox.com or text/leave message at 510-599-3922. Follow her on Facebook @AmberKTVU,  Instagram @AmberKTVU or Twitter @AmberKTVU