The inaugural SGV Bowl was played last January at Charter Oak High School, and players and fans both called it an exciting event.
The idea for the game began when senior football players went on social media and called for an all-star game, and it led to a night to remember. There was a packed house, with all the bells and whistles of an all-star event, including a DJ pumping music on the sidelines throughout the game.
Robert Maxie, now the head coach at Baldwin Park, and Matt Villanueva, recently hired as Nogales’ head coach, organized the game.
Hoping to ride the momentum and buzz from last year’s game, they have put together the second SGV Bowl on Saturday at Covina District Field at 7 p.m.
Admission is $10 and tickets can be purchased at the gates.
🚨 The Stage Is Set 👀 The SGV Bowl This Saturday January 13th 7pm @ Covina District Field‼️
See AlsoPlayers, coaches set for the inaugural San Gabriel Valley Bowl all-star football game FridaySan Gabriel Valley All-Area Football Team: The top players and coaches in 2022Covina school district investigating several areas of SGV Bowl all-star football gameSan Gabriel Valley Varsity All-Area Football: La Serna’s Owen Long is the Player of the YearEntrance = 10$ @ The Gate‼️
Doors Open @ 6pm 🕕🗣️
Video Made By @anelrivers 🔥 pic.twitter.com/C1RbHj9mqb
— TheMatt_V (@TheMatt_V) January 8, 2024
In addition to the DJ, there will be a halftime show with rapper 310babii and singer/songwriter Alex Porter will perform the national anthem.
The game is for seniors (Class of 2024), who will get a chance to wear their high school uniforms for the last time. Some of the players will also compete in the SGV Hall of Fame Game in June.
Maxie, who coached the West to a 14-13 victory over the East squad last season, is back as the West’s head coach.
He said he can see the excitement and anticipation on the faces of the players during practices this week.
“Last year’s game was great, the atmosphere, how competitive it was, the social media buzz, and that just carried into this season and we want to ride that momentum,” Maxie said. “A lot of the kids last year saw the game and wanted to have a good season so they could be part of it this week. It’s a great steppingstone for kids in our area to reach, to play in this game, and for some that are not signed, or looking to play to college, it might be the last chance to make an impression.”
Maxie said part of the SGV Bowl’s appeal is that it’s more than just a game.
“Instead of just a game, we turned it into an event, and we have a good halftime show where a lot of kids get to see one of their favorite rappers perform live,” Maxie said. “Each year, we want to improve this game and add something, and also having it at Covina District Field is great because there is a great atmosphere there when the stands are packed.”
The West squad isn’t as deep as the East squad, but it features Pasadena Star-News player of the year Jason Hong. The South Pasadena running back rushed for 2,063 yards and 39 touchdowns this season.
The West roster includes several standouts from this season, including Monrovia quarterback Brian Salazar and receiver Noah Ellison, Muir running back Christian Bozema and quarterback Brandon Valencia, and Rio Hondo Prep receiver Joshua Taflinger, who helped the Kares win the CIF-SS Division 9 championship.
The West includes two top linebackers, Andrew Shahin from Bosco Tech and Jordan Williams from Cantwell Sacred Heart. La Salle wide receiver Aiden Leyland, Arcadia two-way standout Bryce Maldonado and Baldwin Park running back Corey Lacey also are on the roster.
“Looking forward to competing, having fun, and staying undefeated,” Maxie said.
That won’t be easy, because the East, coached by Villanueva, appears to be stacked.
Bishop Amat two-way standout Richie Munoz, who was the SGV Varsity defensive player of the year, leads the way for the East. He might play quarterback Saturday, a position he played as a junior while helping the Lancers reach the CIF-SS Division 2 semifinals.
Damien’s sure-handed receiver Ayden Gutierrez and Spartans running back Zachary Eguia will also take part.
The East includes La Serna quarterback CJ Ceron, along with his Lancers’ teammates Adrian Castro, Gavin Welling and Jayden Northrup. La Serna won the CIF State Division 2-AA championship to go along with a CIF-SS Division 4 title.
Also on the East roster: Northview’s Angel Barraza, Donovan Perez; Covina receivers Abraham Perez and Adrian Rachal;Bishop Amat’s Brandyn Richardson-Wetherspoon and Matthew Salazar; Bonita’s Jayden Montenegro and St. Paul’s Orlando Zepeda.
Villanueva said practices have been fun this week and says that Damien coach Matt Bechtel, who is the team’s offensive coordinator, is treating it like a playoff game.
“Matt’s been great, he’s got the kids with wristbands (for plays),” Villanueva said. “Overall, the practices have been fun, the kids are enjoying it and we’re looking forward to having a great time on Saturday.”
