Remote Surveillance Trailer in El Monte, CA

Balboa defeated South El Monte to win its second-straight high school football championship in the state of California. The game was called early due to a nasty brawl late in the fourth quarter.

It was an unfortunate ending to a dominant victory for the Buccaneers.

California high school football officials decided not to finish out the final minute of the contest because of how things went down in the closing moments. The trophy ceremony was also canceled.

Balboa destroyed South El Monte.

Balboa High School, colloquially known as Bal, is located near the Excelsior District in the Mission Terrace neighborhood of San Francisco. It serves approximately 1,250 students in Grades 9-12.

South El Monte High School is located in the greater Los Angeles region of Southern California, to the far east of downtown near Hacienda Heights. It also serves approximately 1,250 students in Grades 9-12.

These two schools compete on the Division 7-A level of high school football competition. They met in the state championship game at Buena Park High School in Orange County on Saturday. The Eagles entered with four losses. The Buccaneers entered with only two losses as the reigning state champions.

It was the latter that dominated the former for all four quarters. Balboa defeated South El Monte by a final score of 42-8. Running back Mekei Smith ran for four touchdowns during the win.

A violent brawl spoiled the California high school football championship.

Unfortunately, the game did not end with a cordial exchange of respect. Rather, the opposite.

A nasty brawl broke out on the sideline with just 60 seconds remaining during the fourth quarter. It took multiple coaches, officials and administrators from both sides to break up the altercation.

Here is how it looked from the sideline:

PANDEMONIUM: A fight break out at the end of the CIF State 7-A championship game between South El Monte and Balboa @SGVNSports pic.twitter.com/Qzm2UmTlyT

— Gabriel Duarte (@GabrielNDuarte_) December 13, 2025

Officials ultimately decided not to play the last minute of the game. Balboa defeated South El Monte to win its second state championship in two years and third all-time. However, the Buccaneers did not get to celebrate. They were escorted out of the stadium before the trophy presentation.

CIF San Francisco Section commissioner Melvin Landry called the team an “embarrassment” and said it has to “show class.” Mitch Stephens reported that the altercation also spilled out into the parking lot.

It is not entirely clear as to what exactly started the fight but it had been chippy all game. There were approximately 20 penalties in total before things got even further out of hand.

Balboa head coach Fred Velazquez stood by his players.

“People don’t realizes they’re two similar communities. They come from a gang-infested area, so do we. We’re trying to do our job … (both coaches) making sure they’re staying out of the grave. Stay out of jail.”

“Their natural reaction kicks in. They’re not going to stand there and watch 30 guys jump on one of their teammates. I tried to hold them back, so did the assistant coaches.“

I expect the CIF will review the incident alongside Landry during the offseason. Players from both teams will likely be suspended for the first game (or multiple games) next season.

Tezzacollects Winter Car Meet is rolling into El Monte for 2025!

Held at Fujiwara Tofu Cafe on Flair Drive, this winter meet is set to gather car enthusiasts from all walks of life. From 5 PM to 9 PM, the event promises a laid-back atmosphere where attendees can enjoy food, cars, and good company. While the meet is particularly calling out for IS300s, all cars, trucks, makes, and models are welcome to join the fun. It’s an excellent chance to connect with fellow car lovers, check out a wide range of vehicles, and enjoy the winter vibes.

Organized by Tezzacollects, this meet is a nod to the iconic IS300 community. However, the event is open to anyone with a passion for cars and a desire to show off their ride, no matter the make or model. Attendees are encouraged to show respect for the venue, which remains a key aspect of maintaining a positive, community-driven event.

Expect a relaxed, social environment with a mix of modified cars, stock builds, and enthusiasts all coming together for a night of cars, food, and fun. Whether you’re a local or visiting from further out, this meet offers a welcoming atmosphere for everyone to enjoy. Don’t miss the chance to catch up with old friends and meet new ones as you check out the stunning rides in El Monte.

So, grab your car, respect the location, and cruise over to Fujiwara Tofu Cafe for a Tezzacollects Winter Meet—the perfect way to end your weekend with great cars and an even better community.

Tezzacollects Winter Car Meet - Los Angeles County, California

Location: Fujiwara Tofu Cafe, 9216 Flair Dr B, El Monte, CA 91731Starts: 5:00 PMEnds: 9:00 PMAdmission: FreeVehicle Registration: HERE

*Please note: iDriveSoCal is not hosting this car show. To learn more contact Tezzacollects Winter Car Meet event organizers HERE. Including details about attending and displaying your car. Also about becoming a car meet vendor or sponsor.

Additionally, for more of the best Southern California automotive events click HERE.

And, ever wonder how cars and coffee events got started? Check out this podcast on !

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With a minute to play in the CIF State Division 7-A championship game between South El Monte and San Francisco Balboa, a fight broke out on the South El Monte sideline that prompted the officials to call the game.

Balboa won 42-8 at Buena Park High School Saturday afternoon.

There was no postgame award ceremony and the teams did not shake hands. According to reports from High School On SI's Mitch Stephens (who was at the game), the high emotions spilled into the parking lot after the game.

"Looks like this is spilling into the parking lot. Awful," Stephens posted on Twitter/X.

Stephens reported that Balboa, the winning team, was "escorted out of the stadium".

It was Balboa's third CIF State title and second in a row.

Stephens spoke with Balboa coach Fred Velazquez after the game about the incident.

"People don't realizes they're two similar communities," Velazquez said of the two teams. "They come from a gang-infested area, so do we. We're trying to do our job ... (both coaches) making sure they're staying out of the grave. Stay out of jail."

"Their natural reaction kicks in. They're not going to stand there and watch 30 guys jump on one of their teammates. I tried to hold them back, so did the assistant coaches. Other than that, I thought it was a great game."

Balboa's Mekai Smith was the star of the game. He scored four touchdowns in the victory.

MORE ABOUT THE TEAMS

Sections: Balboa (San Francisco), South El Monte (Southern)State final all-time records: Balboa 2-0, South El Monte 0-0Win streaks: Balboa 9, South El Monte 5Famous alums: Balboa —McLeod Bethel-Thompson (QB), Juan Echelberger (MLB), Jerry Garcia (Grateful Dead), Calvin Jones (NFL), Michael Norris (MLB), Willie Wise (ABA, NBA)

Top players: Balboa — RB-LB Mekei Smith (132 carries, 2,332 yards, 49 total touchdowns), RB-CB Joseph Smith (SF Chronicle 2024 SF Player of the Year), DE David Lee (71 tackles, 9.5 sacks), OL-DL Naioa Tinoifili Shul Cassidy (6-1, 235).

El Monte — QB Michael Maldonado (1,800 total yards, 14 TDs), WR Gabriel Canchola (40, 696, 5), DL Ivan Lopez (7 sacks).

To get live updates on your phone — as well as follow your favorite teams and top games — you can download the SBLive Sports app: