CHICO, CA (MPG) – A summer tradition since 1978, the District 4 C-1 Lions Club All-Star Football Games allow selected senior players to represent their schools one final time, showcasing the talent in the North State and in the process raising funds for children with diabetes.
Played on June 21 at Chico High School, the 2025 large and small school games offered fans an exciting night of football as the South’s large-school squad, coached by Pierce’s Anthony Tapia came from 18 points down to win 30-24, while the South’s small-school team under the direction of Maxwell’s Lane Davis fell just short 19-22.
In the large-school game, the South came storming back, scoring 30 answered points to claim the victory, getting important contributions from Pierce’s defensive lineman Humberto Esqueda as Tapia explained.
“Humbi was dominant all game against a very impressive offensive line for the North,” Tapia said. “He was double or triple-teamed almost every play and when he did manage to get one on one, he blew right by the lineman with ease. He also drew the holding penalty in the end zone which led to a safety.”
Joining Esqueda on the South squad were teammates Drew Burnum, Gavin Guynn and Jose Pinon.
For Tapia, while winning was certainly important, the preparation and objectives were slightly different than in the regular season.
“The week leading up to the game takes a lot out of you having three practices a day, so our goal was to make sure there was a balance of work and fun,” said Tapia. “These guys are all-stars so putting in schemes and strategy was quite simple. They knew how to lock in and play confidently, but they became friends and bought into the system. I also want to thank the coaches who helped me including Chris Tapia, Sutter’s Steven Underwood and Gridley’s Kevin Mattos.”
Although just as competitive, the result was different for the South’s small school squad, which found itself flagged for penalties no less than 20 times in the contest.
Despite the disadvantage, the South kept the game close and made a goal line stand near the end of the game, but ultimately ran out of time as it tried to march 90-plus yards for a go-ahead score.
In the aftermath, Davis also said that a controversial spot where Maxwell quarterback Noel Velazquez was marked short of the end zone might also have had an impact on the outcome of the game as well.
Nonetheless, Davis was impressed with Velazquez’s overall performance and also reported that the Panthers’ Walter Avery kicked a 28-yard field goal and extra point.
Maxwell’s Richard Diaz started the game at right tackle, while Colusa’s Damien Arreguin and Adan Travis saw time as well.
Despite being somewhat disappointed in the final result, Davis said the one of the most enjoyable aspects coaching the team was seeing the interaction between the players.
“This was a fun week and a great experience for the kids,” Davis said. “There was great activity and action in terms of the game, but the best part was seeing kids make friends that they will have for life.”