First 805 All-Star Bowl benefits Toys for Tots
SANTA BARBARA, Calif. — A special showdown dubbed as the ‘805 Bowl’ took place on Saturday afternoon at San Marcos High School.
The Pacific Youth Football League All-Stars dominated throughout a 52-6 win over the Central Coast Youth Football League All-Stars.
This game featured 70 of the best 8th-grade football players within the 805 area code.
Those in attendance were asked to bring an unwrapped gift, to support a Toys for Tots drive that is being organized by the Santa Barbara Sharks Youth Football Club of the PYFL.
More important than the game result itself were the memories made by the players on the field, who will head off to high school next fall.
“This is the first time that this pro bowl has ever happened, so it’s special,” CCYFL Linebacker Elijah Diaz said. “I’m going to remember this for the rest of my life now.”
The PYFL is made up of teams from Burbank, Highland, Palmdale, Lancaster, Santa Clarita, Ventura, North Oxnard, South Oxnard, Moorpark, Thousand Oaks, Agoura, Santa Barbara, and El Rio.
“Growing up with some of these players, it’s special,” PYFL wide receiver Monty Lopez said. “I’m looking forward to playing in high school and this was a great opportunity here today.”
The CCYFL is made up of organizations from San Luis Obispo, Paso Robles, Morro Bay, Los Osos, Templeton, Orcutt, Atascadero, Santa Ynez, Santa Maria, Guadalupe, Nipomo, Arroyo Grande, Vandenberg Village, and Lompoc.
Both leagues are hopeful that this game will be the start of an annual tradition between the two youth football teams.
