Southern Section Approves Game Against Top City Team

Members of the CIF Southern Section general council Thursday approved a football game matching its Division I champion against the top-ranked team from the City Section on Dec. 20 at Cerritos College.

The game, proposed by television station KCOP (Channel 13), is expected to receive final approval by the State Federated Council next month.

Television rights will be $50,000 for the first game, $65,000 in 1992, $80,000 in 1993 and $100,000 in 1994 and 1995 under a five-year contract. The sections will split all gate, concession and parking receipts.

“This is the highest sum of money ever offered for a high school event,” said Stan Thomas, Southern Section commissioner. “In a time of dwindling corporate support and advertising dollars, this could help eliminate any dues increase.”

Said Hal Harkness, City athletic commissioner: “The game is something that the athletic communities of both sections have been looking forward to for some time . . . a game that will decide who is the best on the field.”

The Southern Section council also approved a proposal allowing the section’s Executive Committee to negotiate the purchase of property and to solicit construction bids on a permanent site for its administration office.

The section has been leasing its office at $2,646 a month since its 25-year lease for $300 a year expired last year. The current agreement expires in January of 1993.