“Generations will come to this game, and only this game.”
That's what a volunteer member of the chain crew mentioned as Edison High School prepared to take on Fountain Valley High School in this year’s annual Bell Game.
The Bell Game has been a part of the Huntington Beach and Fountain Valley community for decades. The winning team of this storied football game gets to bring the bell back to its campus.
Edison won the first Bell Game in 1975 by a score of 19-6. The Chargers have also been victorious in every Bell Game since 2005. While the game has been played at Anaheim Stadium in the past, it has found its home at Orange Coast College.
No matter the setting, one can feel a lot of excitement during Bell Week. The friendly rivalry between the two high schools starts the Sunday before the big game. There is a fun taco eating contest at Tio Flaco’s Tacos in Fountain Valley each year. The Barons won the contest last year, but this year with members of both bands competing, Edison took this year's contest.
The buildup to the Bell Game continues through the week at both schools.
Fountain Valley High School hosts a glow show that is open to the community. Signs pumping up the students are plastered to the fronts of both schools, and themed dress-up days are common.
Even pranks make an appearance.
Many years ago, Fountain Valley High School teacher and current Fountain Valley School Board member Steve Schultz recalled, “During Bell Week there was a schedule of students patrolling the premises of the high school to make sure no Charger could damage the campus.
The pranks during Bell Week were serious then, not the planned fake ones now.”
When the day of the game arrives, it is a true Friday Night Lights experience.
There is often a great atmosphere at high school games, but the Bell Game brings out an experience on another level.
Former Fountain Valley High School football star Matt Stevens recalled, “Back in the ‘70s and ‘80s there was no greater high school football rivalry in the country. [I’m] describing 30,000-plus football fans filling Anaheim Stadium for the regular season game, people still think I am exaggerating.“ This year’s game at Orange Coast College didn’t attract 30,000 fans, but it was still a packed house. It starts in the OCC parking lot. One must maneuver to find a parking spot amid all the tailgate parties that make for a college-type atmosphere.
Once fans get inside Lebard Stadium and see the surroundings, it is hard not to feel the intensity and anticipation. Students put up lots of balloons and signs.
Both student sections were packed.
Thunder sticks and loud chants were heard throughout the game.
As Edison High Athletic Director Rich Boyce said, “It is a unifying time for both communities of the two high schools.”
The game kicked off with the bands playing and Edison going on offense first. While the game would see the Chargers triumph, the Barons had a great first series on defense forcing Edison to go three and out. Fountain Valley went three and out with a punt on their first possession as well. From then on, Edison started to take control.
The Chargers were up 21-0 after the first quarter and their signature “thunderclap” was heard in the stands.
Edison got contributions from many players.
Julius Gillick scored two touchdowns to lead the Chargers. Quarterback Savelio Niumata connected with Ayden Degiacomo on a touchdown pass. Sam Thomson and Maddox Thomas also scored. Another highlight for the Chargers was an interception by Carson Schmidt for a TD. Fountain Valley’s lone score came on a touchdown pass from Lucas Alexander to Nathan Lares.
Edison won the game, 49-6.
“Both teams work hard for that bell, but only one walks away with it. But the winners are always gracious, and the losers are inspired to come back next year and reclaim the bell,” Boyce said.
The Bell Game means a lot to so many. Great memories are created.
Fountain Valley Mayor Glenn Grandis noted that “Bell Week is more than just a game. It is a celebration of teamwork, perseverance and the Fountain Valley spirit that shines so brightly in each of our students.”
Former Edison Athletic Director Bruce Belcher added, “It is a time when the entire campus rallies for one purpose, to Beat the Baron. From the first victory in 1969 to today it hasn't lost its importance in what being a Charger is all about: pride, excellence, and family.” Dr. Bonnie Castrey, a Huntington Beach Union High School District board member, summed things up: “This Bell Game has a long history of friendly rivalry in our great district.”