News Summary
In a thrilling matchup, the South team defeated the North 14-7 in the 65th annual Orange County All-Star Classic football game held at Orange Coast College. Tommy Acosta’s early touchdown and a key 46-yard pass from Vanden Dugger to Campbell Schamel secured the South’s victory, marking their tenth straight win over the North. The game highlighted notable defensive performances, particularly by MVP Luke Averell, while the North’s challenges were echoed by Coach Zack LaMonda. The event also included a girls flag football game, where the South triumphed 12-6, emphasizing community spirit and local talent.
Costa Mesa – The South team triumphed over the North in the 65th annual Orange County All-Star Classic football game, securing their tenth consecutive victory in the rivalry with a final score of 14-7. The game was hosted at Orange Coast College.
The South struck first with a 4-yard touchdown run by Tommy Acosta from Capistrano Valley in the opening quarter, giving them a 7-0 lead. In the second quarter, the North leveled the game at 7-7 when Nate Lewis from Villa Park scored on a 2-yard run. However, it was the South’s quarterback, Vanden Dugger from Dana Hills, who ultimately made the decisive play. With 6:03 remaining in the fourth quarter, he connected with Campbell Schamel from Tesoro for a 46-yard touchdown pass that clinched the victory for the South.
Defensive performances were key to the South’s success. Luke Averell from San Juan Hills was recognized as the South’s MVP for his standout defensive contributions, ensuring the North did not score in the second half. The North’s MVP, Ulavai Fetuli from La Habra, also showcased impressive skills throughout the game. Gino Marchetti from Foothill started as quarterback for the North, but faced challenges in coordinating with a team comprised of players from multiple schools.
Organizers of the event indicated that the mix of players made it difficult for offenses to develop a cohesive strategy quickly, a sentiment echoed by North Coach Zack LaMonda. Despite these challenges, the game boasted several notable performances, including North player JJ Amezcua from Western, who made three receptions for 28 yards, and Noah Tagaloa from Segerstrom, who also contributed significant yardage for the South.
This victory marked an important milestone for the South, increasing their all-time series lead over the North to 36 wins, 26 losses, and 3 ties. Proceeds from the event were directed toward local charities, highlighting the community-focused nature of the All-Star Classic, which was organized by Costa Mesa United in collaboration with the Los Angeles Chargers.
In addition to the football game, the day featured an inaugural Orange County all-star girls flag football game, where the South team also emerged victorious, defeating the North 12-6 in overtime. Shea Gonzales from JSerra was named the MVP for the girls’ game, making a critical touchdown catch to secure the win. Attendance figures for both events were not disclosed, but organizers expressed satisfaction with the turnout and community involvement.
The Orange County All-Star Classic continues to be a significant event that not only showcases local talent but also fosters community spirit through charitable initiatives. With both teams displaying skill and determination, the future of the event promises to bring more thrilling matchups to fans and participants alike.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
South Dominates the Orange County All-Star Classic
Additional Resources
- Orange County Register: All-Star Classic Returns
- Sports Illustrated: Fetuli Named MVP
- OC Sports Zone: Defenses Dominate
- Los Angeles Chargers: All-Star Game Sponsorship
- Encyclopedia Britannica: American Football
Author: STAFF HERE COSTA MESA WRITER
COSTA MESA STAFF WRITER The COSTA MESA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERECostaMesa.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Costa Mesa, Orange County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the OC Fair, Concerts in the Park, and Fish Fry. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Costa Mesa Chamber of Commerce and Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Orange Coast, plus leading businesses in retail, fashion, and technology that power the local economy such as Vans, Experian, and South Coast Plaza. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAnaheim.com, HEREBeverlyHills.com, HERECoronado.com, HEREHollywood.com, HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, HERELongBeach.com, HERELosAngeles.com, HEREMissionViejo.com, HERESanDiego.com, and HERESantaAna.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into California's dynamic landscape.
