Football: Edison had plenty of motivation for its comeback
This article was originally on a blog post platform and may be missing photos, graphics or links. See About archive blog posts.
Edison might not be the greatest team in the world, but they sure know how to put on a show. Last month, the Chargers’ upset over Mater Dei was one of the most-exciting high school games I’ve ever witnessed in my 27 years on this rock.
Well, the Chargers outdid themselves again on Friday.
Junior quarterback Matt Viles completed two touchdown passes during a four-minute span late in the fourth quarter as Edison rallied to defeat longtime rival Fountain Valley, 14-7, in the 41st edition of the ‘Battle for the Bell’ at Orange Coast College.
Viles completed a 16-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Michael Rivera for the game-wining score with 1:36 left in the fourth quarter. The Chargers then managed to hold on even though Fountain Valley drove all the way to the Edison 20 before quarterback Dominic Ragland threw a incomplete pass into the end zone as the game ended.
Obviously, Edison coach Dave White was thrilled with how his latest ‘Battle for the Bell’ turned out, knowing his team is just one more victory away from a third straight Sunset League title.
‘It was unbelievable...it shows the resiliency of this team,’ said White, whose team rallied from a 7-0 deficit. ‘We did it for ourselves, the fans and Luke.’
That would be Luke Gane, an Edison senior lineman who was diagnosed with aplastic anemia over the summer and received a bone marrow transplant. Friday marked the first time Gane attended an Edison football game and the players rewarded him with not only a victory, but also with a ride on their shoulders during the postgame celebrations.
‘We really wanted to do this for Luke because we knew he was here watching,’ Viles said. ‘We definitely had plenty of motivation.’
For a full recap of the game, check out my live game blog.
-- Austin Knoblauch
Top Photo: Luke Gane, center, poses with the ‘Bell’ along with his fellow Edison teammates following Friday’s victory. Bottom photo: OCC before the game. Credit: Austin Knoblauch
