By Rosemary Gladden (PYLUSD)

The stands at Bradford Stadium were packed last Friday night as El Dorado and Valencia High School faced off in the annual “Battle of the Bell” football game.  The bell returned back to Valencia as the Tigers won the game with a 31-13 victory.  The cross-town football face-off dates back to 1968.  However, the “Bell Game” itself was started in 1998, according to David Ramos, a 45-year-resident of Valencia, who donated the bell.  “The year before Valencia won the game I saw banners all around town that stated ‘Valencia High School is the City’s Champion.’  That reminded me of the annual game between USC and UCLA so I decided to donate a bell as a victory symbol.”  His name and a dedication to one of his grandchildren who sadly passed away from Sudden Infant Death Syndrome are memorialized with a plaque on the bell.  Other plaques on the bell are final scores from each year.  Mr. Ramos’ six children all attended PYLUSD schools and graduated from El Dorado.  Enjoy pictures and videos from the game:

Photos:

http://intranet/super/photos/14-15/latest/BellGame.wmv

Videos:

http://intranet/super/photos/14-15/latest/VHSRevsUp.mov

http://intranet/super/photos/14-15/latest/ElDoCheers.mov

http://intranet/super/photos/14-15/latest/GoodPlay.mov

http://intranet/super/photos/14-15/latest/GreatRunBack.mov