By Darrel Wheeler, Contributing Writer
Billed as “The Battle of the Boulevard”, the Will C. Crawford Colt’s and Herbert C. Hoover’s Cardinals football rivalry roots go back to the 1950’s.
Only 1.5 miles separate the two east San Diego campuses.
“This rivalry has been going on for decades,” said Hoover’s Junior Varsity Head Coach and Hoover alum, Daniel White. “A lot of these kids played youth football with, and against each other, and the close proximity of the schools makes for an interesting and energy-filled rivalry.”
The 2024 version of the bitter rivalry got started on Thursday, October 31st, with the clash of the underclassmen (JV), as they stepped to Crawford’s polished football field for bragging rights.
The two rivals battled back and forth for four quarters of intensity-filled rockem-sockem football.
The Cardinals vs. Colts contest of wills and skills wasn’t decided until 15 seconds on the scoreboard clock.
Hoover was led by the dynamic freshman duo of Taai Tuipulotu and QB Hez Manuel, with Hez engineering the game-winning drive and touchdown to seal the victory for Hoover’s JV Cardinals.
However, on Friday, Nov. 1, the varsity team featured QB Philip Huynh with 3 touchdowns; Trayvon Banks, wide receiver; and defensive heroes Jeffrey Krantz and Chris Gradney getting their revenge 29-27 over the Cardinals.
“There was some trash-talking back and forth all week. It’s fun and a lot of us grew up together. That’s what makes rivalries exciting,” Crawford’s sophomore Amrie Patterson shared.
This year’s victory bell goes to the mighty Colts of 4191 Colts Way!
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