The rivalry between Bonita High School and San Dimas High School is one of the most storied in the San Gabriel Valley. Each year, these two football teams battle for the Smudge Pot, a trophy symbolic of local football supremacy. However, one of their most memorable encounters came in the 1999 season, culminating in a CIF championship for Bonita and a rare CIF playoff meeting between the two schools that left a lasting impression.
Relive the Details of the 1999 Season at Smudgepotgame.com
The Smudge Pot Showdown
In the 1999 Smudge Pot game, Bonita entered as the reigning champions, while San Dimas boasted one of the best defenses in the valley. It was expected to be a close battle, but the Bearcats quickly dispelled any notion of that, holding the Saints to an astonishing 14 total yards of offense en route to a dominant 30-0 victory. This shutout not only marked Bonita’s fourth consecutive Smudge Pot win but also clinched their second straight undisputed league title.
Bonita’s Senior quarterback Shaun Abkarian led the charge, throwing for 199 yards and two touchdowns, including a 65-yard strike to Zach Bussey and an 81-yard touchdown to Ricardo Stewart, who showcased his athleticism with a dazzling run after the catch. San Dimas had a brief moment of hope in the third quarter when they reached Bonita’s 3-yard line, but a fumble and subsequent blocked field goal extinguished any momentum.
Despite a series of penalties and undisciplined play, Bonita’s depth and physicality were too much for San Dimas to handle. It was a night to forget for the Saints but a crowning moment for the Bearcats, solidifying their dominance in the rivalry.
The Playoff Meeting: Bonita vs. San Dimas in the CIF Semifinal
Just weeks after their Smudge Pot victory, Bonita and San Dimas met again in the CIF-Southern Section Division IX semifinal at Citrus College. This was the first time in history the two schools had faced off in a CIF playoff game, and the stakes couldn’t have been higher. Bonita, undefeated at 13-0, came into the game as the top seed, while San Dimas, fresh off a quarterfinal victory over Valencia, sought revenge after their earlier 30-0 defeat.
But once again, it was Bonita that emerged victorious, this time with a 41-7 rout. Bonita’s offense, led by the same stars who had shone in the Smudge Pot game, proved too powerful for San Dimas to handle. The Saints, despite a strong season and impressive defensive performances throughout the year, simply couldn’t match the firepower of the Bearcats.
With this victory, Bonita advanced to the CIF championship game, where they would face Brea Olinda. The win not only extended Bonita’s perfect season but also reinforced their position as the dominant force in local high school football.
Bonita’s CIF Championship Victory
On December 10, 1999, Bonita High School achieved a milestone that remains celebrated to this day. Facing Brea Olinda in the CIF-Southern Section Division IX championship game, the Bearcats completed their remarkable season with a 35-22 victory. This marked the culmination of a year of hard work, determination, and exceptional talent.
Bonita’s road to the championship had been paved with dominant performances, and the final game was no different. Quarterback Shaun Abkarian continued to lead the offense with precision, while the defense stifled Brea Olinda’s attempts to mount a comeback. The Bearcats were relentless, and their victory was a testament to the team’s chemistry, coaching, and depth of talent.
For the players, coaches, and fans of Bonita High School, the 1999 CIF championship is a cherished memory, symbolizing the pinnacle of success in local high school football. It was the perfect conclusion to a season defined by dominance, teamwork, and a rivalry that captured the heart of the community.
