J.P. Andrade 2019

A Record-Setting Bearcat

John Paul “J.P.” Andrade established himself as one of Bonita High School’s most accomplished quarterbacks. A three-year starter and two-time team captain, he earned First Team All-State, First Team All-CIF, and Palomares League Offensive Player of the Year recognition. His college biographies credit him with 9,423 career passing yards at Bonita.

His outstanding senior season in 2018 helped transform the Bearcats under head coach Steve Bogan. Andrade passed for 4,366 yards, averaging 335.8 per game, as Bonita reached the CIF Southern Section Division 10 semifinals. He was named the San Gabriel Valley Tribune Player of the Year.

The 2018 Smudge Pot: Four Touchdowns and a Trophy

On September 8, 2018, Bonita faced San Dimas at Covina District Field, looking to end a two-game losing streak in the rivalry. Andrade delivered a signature performance, accounting for all four touchdowns in a 28-14 Bearcats victory.

He opened the scoring with touchdown passes to Jarratt Dance-Kelly and Cade Cadam as Bonita built a 14-0 lead. San Dimas rallied to tie the game before halftime, but Andrade took control in the fourth quarter. He scored on a short quarterback keeper and later broke free for a long touchdown run that sealed the win.

Andrade threw for 272 yards, with two passing touchdowns and two rushing touchdowns. Wide receiver Cade Cadam was named the game’s MVP after catching three passes for 113 yards and a touchdown.

The win returned the Smudge Pot trophy to Bonita and provided a defining moment of Andrade’s senior season.

A Remarkable Senior Season

Andrade’s 2018 performance extended far beyond the rivalry game. He threw for 427 yards and six touchdowns against Diamond Bar and 422 yards and five touchdowns against Covina. Even in the CIF semifinal loss to Highland, he passed for 498 yards and three touchdowns.

His full high school career is credited with 9,423 passing yards. Published sources differ slightly on touchdown totals: MaxPreps and contemporary newspaper coverage list 38 passing touchdowns in 2018, while Jackson State’s official biography lists 39. The season total is therefore presented here as 38 to 39 passing touchdowns.

College Football: Ohio State, Jackson State, and Cal Lutheran

Following graduation in 2019, Andrade joined Ohio State as a preferred walk-on quarterback. He was part of teams that won two Big Ten championships and the Sugar Bowl and Rose Bowl. He was also recognized as an Academic All-Big Ten selection and a two-time Ohio State Scholar-Athlete.

In 2022, he transferred to Jackson State, joining the program led by Deion Sanders during its undefeated regular season.

Andrade finished his college playing career at California Lutheran University in 2023. As a graduate-student quarterback, he completed 191 of 303 passes for 2,059 yards and 12 touchdowns, leading the Southern California Intercollegiate Athletic Conference in several passing categories. He earned Second Team All-SCIAC honors.

A Lasting Smudge Pot Legacy

Andrade’s career combined exceptional passing production, individual awards, and leadership on the field. Yet for Bonita fans, his defining performance remains the 2018 Smudge Pot, when he accounted for four touchdowns and led the Bearcats to a memorable victory over San Dimas.

For his record-setting achievements at Bonita, his leadership in reclaiming the Smudge Pot trophy, and his accomplishments in college football, J.P. Andrade is a deserving member of the Bonita Bearcats Smudge Pot Hall of Fame.

Awe Yeah! Bearcats.

Historical Sources

1. SmudgepotGame.com, 2018 game summary and Tribune All-Area coverage.
2. Great American Rivalry Series, 2018 Bonita vs. San Dimas.
3. Jackson State University, J.P. Andrade player biography.
4. MaxPreps, Bonita career statistics.
5. Cal Lutheran University, 2023 player biography.
6. Cal Lutheran University, 2023 All-SCIAC announcement.