The Hemet High School soccer team wins the prestigious NFF -Hatchell Cup for academic and sporting excellence

Irving, Texas – The football program of the Hemet High School has reached a highlight of excellence because the Bulldogs were awarded Bob's Steak & Chop House as recipients of the NFF -Hatchell Cup 2025. The Bulldogs were recognized by the National Football Foundation (NFF) and College Hall of Fame as the first academic high school football team of the nation and have reached a historical milestone that celebrates their success in the field, in the classroom and in their community. This award includes a donation of 10,000 US dollars from Bob's Steak & Chop House to support Hemet's football program.

“This award celebrates its ability to reconcile academic achievements with sporting performance and meaningful community service,” said NFF chairman Archie Manning. “The selection of Hemet High as the winner of the 2025 Hatchell Cup shows her commitment to excellent performance in every facet of life.”

Hemet High became a national winner after an intensive nominating and selection process. Hemet competed against winners of the individual state high school trainer associations and triumphed over 65 finalists from the pool of the state recipients of the Rose Bowl Legacy Foundation over 65 finalists of the state recipients of the NFF National High School Academic Excellence. A national committee finally chose the Bulldogs for the honor and consolidated its status as a model program for students, players and educators alike.

The academic achievements of the Hemet Bulldogs underpin their success. With an impressive cumulative GPA of 3.55, the team placed 27 of its 53 players in the school's list of honor. Seventeen team members are characterized in the regulations for advanced (AP) and Honor's courses. The senior quarterback is academically leading Draven Lopezwho maintained an extraordinary 4.57 GPA, while he held the distinction between the class Valedictorian.

Hemet High's skills were not limited to the classroom. In the field they put together a 10-2 record for the 2024 season and reached the quarter-finals of the CIF Southern Section 8 playoffs. In a highlight of the season, the Bulldogs became revenge on the league rival in the first playoff round after a regular loss of season in the first playoff revenge. For over four years, the team built an impressive legacy with a record of 31-15, three playoff appearances and two Sunblelt League championships. Ten players have awarded Lopez and team captain All-League honors this season Tyler Trout in the All-CIF Southern Section Division 8 team.

What distinguishes Hemet high is the commitment of the community and the positive culture that is promoted in its program. The team took part in initiatives such as the “Super Kids Bowl”, an enriching event for special education students in their district and a Sped final ball for students with special needs. Beyond Football contributed to the school members' association, the jazz band as well as the forum/student leadership, Rotc and other extra -curricular activities.

According to the headmaster Dr. Jeff FranksThis commitment to the community and teamwork illustrates the term “student athlete”. “Our football team gives a positive tone for the culture of our school and continues to show efforts, hard work and discipline in both the field and in the classroom,” wrote Franks when Franks nominated the team for the award.

The NFF will officially present the hatchet cup at a ceremony, which is to take place later this spring. The Rose Bowl Legacy Foundation will honor Hemet High with a memorial stone on the Brick Plaza outside of Gate A in the renowned Rose Bowl Stadium with a memorial brick.

This season was the third year of Bob's Steak & Chop House, which served as the presentation sponsor of the NFF -Hatchell Cup. Bob SambolThe founder of Bobs Steak & Chop House emphasized the importance of honor. “The Hemet High School and the finalists have shown a commitment to excellent performance in athletics, academics and their communities. We are proud to recognize these values ​​through this award. “

Named after NFF President and CEO Steve HatchellThe cup shows the mission of the NFF to promote the ideal of the scholar athlete. Under the leadership of Hatchell, the foundation has expanded its efforts and ensured that programs like the Hatchell Cup inspire the next generation to pursue success with integrity in the field, in the classroom and in its communities.

The performance of Hemet High represents more than trophies and GPAs. It reflects a collective effort of the trainers, educators, players and community who have positioned the football program as strength for good. Head coach Jeff Galloway and sports director William Ray Leaded a team that not only produced victories, but also inspired a culture of academic excellence and social responsibility.

High School Football has long served as a platform for the development of leadership, teamwork and discipline, but Hemet is noticeable and at the same time set benchmarks in academics and commitment in the community.

Their success makes it clear – Excellence lives when the values ​​are aligned, and the Bulldogs from Hemet High have accepted this ideology with all my heart.

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