The 58th edition of the Orange County All-Star Classic is set for Friday, June 30 at LeBard Stadium on the campus of Orange Coast College in Costa Mesa. The summer night classic, one of Orange County's great sports traditions, will kick off at 7 p.m. and features prep football standouts from across the region.
The Orange County Classic, formally known as the Brea Lions Club North vs. South All-Star Game, is a long-standing tradition dating back to 1959 that pits players from North County against players from South County.
"We place a premium on community engagement and take pride in our involvement with important local causes and events," said A.G. Spanos, Chargers President of Business Operations. "Partnering with Costa Mesa United to help continue a great tradition like the Orange County All-Star Classic – and to be able to broadcast it into homes throughout Los Angeles and Orange County – is a tremendous opportunity to make a difference in the lives of these high school seniors and everyone who has supported them along the way."
As a gathering of the best graduating seniors in Orange County, the Classic provides players and their families with lasting memories and one final opportunity to demonstrate their skills before continuing their football careers on the collegiate level. The players and coaches are selected by the Orange County Sportswriters Association.
"When we heard the all-star game was going to be cancelled after a 58-year run, we knew we had to step in and save the game for our community," said Frank Albers, an at-large board member with Costa Mesa United. "We weren't sure how many of the ancillary things we would be able to pull off, but thankfully for the kids, the Los Angeles Chargers stepped up and provided the funds to make sure the game continues to be a premier event. We can't thank them enough for all they have done."
The North squad will be coached by Charlie TeGantvoort from Santa Ana High School, while the South squad will be coached by former Cincinnati Bengal and Classic alum Pat McInally from Brethren Christian High School. The North currently holds a slim 27-26-3 advantage in the all-time series.
The list of Classic alums who have gone on to play in the National Football League includes former Kansas City Chiefs and Atlanta Falcons tight end Tony Gonzalez (Huntington Beach High), former Jacksonville Jaguars and Buffalo Bills quarterback Rob Johnson (El Toro High) and former Chiefs and Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback John Huarte (Santa Ana Mater Dei).
Tickets for the game can be purchased at Chargers.com/OC-All-Star-Classic for $10 or at the gate for $12. All proceeds support Costa Mesa United, a non-profit organization dedicated to improving the quality of sports fields, facilities, and equipment throughout Costa Mesa.
Fans unable to attend in person can catch all the action live on Chargers.com.
