Smudge Pot 1973

Game Summary November 9, 1973 at Bonita

“The build up to this game included La Verne residents building make shift tombstones and placing them in their front yards: ‘Here Lies San Dimas’ Local newspapers carried photos of moms cheerfully adding them to their gardens.” (La Verne Leader, November 15, 1973)

In what will go down as one of the most controversial games in the 50-year history of the heated rivalry, the San Dimas Saints narrowly defeated the Bonita Bearcats 13-7, in a contest marred by a bench-clearing brawl and a game-ending penalty. The tension had been escalating long before kickoff, fueled by San Dimas fans’ “33-0” chants, a reminder of the Saints’ crushing victory over Bonita the previous year. That tension ratcheted up a notch when district officials announced that the Bearcats would have to wear away jerseys at their own home stadium, which would be renamed the Bonita District Field for the game due to the unfinished state of San Dimas’ own stadium. Tommy Rojas, a Bonita player, remembers how upset the team was before the game, “The players were ‘pissed off’ to have to stand on the visitors side at our own stadium.” La Verne residents had even erected makeshift tombstones in their gardens that read “Here Lies San Dimas,” making their loyalties clear. But the Saints had the last laugh on the field.

Bonita was favored to win but both teams came into the game with 5-2 records in the Hacienda League, and after a scoreless first quarter, San Dimas was the first to strike. Quarterback Dave Maloof connected with split end John Brahs on a 31-yard touchdown pass, though the extra point attempt failed. The Bearcats responded in the third quarter, as their quarterback Bruce McNaught showcased impressive footwork to dash 48 yards for a touchdown. Harold Drake’s successful point-after kick gave Bonita a temporary lead. But two costly fumbles in the fourth quarter by the Bearcats gave the Saints the opportunities they needed.

San Dimas capitalized on the Bearcats’ mistakes, with Maloof ultimately sealing the game with a one-yard touchdown plunge. Saints running back, Jim Richards, had a strong game running over 100 yards. The Saints managed to retain the coveted “Smudge Pot,” but the dramatic finish was overshadowed by the game’s tumultuous final moments, which included a bench-clearing brawl and a deciding penalty. San Dimas Assistant Coach Don Warhurst, remembers the chaos at the end of the game. “A fight broke out between both teams, helmets were thrown and it took us a while to calm everyone down. I even remember one of our players walking off the field with a Bonita helmet on”. Both sides showed formidable defense, but it was San Dimas that emerged victorious, leaving those makeshift tombstones as premature declarations.

District officials threatened to cancel all future matches between the two teams which would have ended what would become one of the most storied rivalries in the San Gabriel Valley. Instead a compromise was made, all future games would be played at a neutral site during the day time. The Smudge Pot Bowl was played as an afternoon day game on Saturdays for the next four years at Mt San Antonio College and wouldn’t return to Bonita High school until 1982.

Season Prospects Post Smudge Pot Game

“With Royal Oak beating Gladstone 28-14, neither the Bearcats nor the Saints have a chance to take first place in the league. Going into the final week of CIF2-A action, the best the two local schools can hope to do is tie for the second place spot with 5-2 records. The Saints must beat Gladstone and the Bearcats the Sierra Vista Dons. Both games are Friday at 8 pm. Bonita is on the road playing at Baldwin Park High and San Dimas hosting at the Bearcat Bowl (previous name of Glenn Davis Stadium).”