GAME RECAP: Chargers Dominate to Keep Bell at Edison for Another Year

by Noah Scherson

COSTA MESA, CA– Edison dominated Fountain Valley in a 34-7 victory at Orange Coast College to keep the bell in the rivalry dating from 1969.

The Battle of the Bell tradition began in 1975 when one student from each school decided to purchase an antique train bell to commemorate the rivalry. The tradition still stands with the Edison Chargers keeping it for the 2025 season, their 21st straight year with the bell. 

The rivalry is a key point for the Edison head coach, Jeff Grady.

“These rivalry games are very emotional,” Grady said. “Both communities were out in full force tonight.”

The Chargers got into the endzone first with a short rushing touchdown from junior running back Samuel Edmiston. Edison continued their dominance with two more touchdowns in the first quarter, the second one being a catch from senior Maddox Thomas as he split the safeties up the seam. The conversion was no good, leading to a 20-0 score to finish the first quarter.

Junior quarterback Sam Thomson mentioned what their game plan was heading into the contest.

“Just stick to what we do,” Thomson said. “Run the ball effectively and be opportunistic in the passing game.”

The second quarter would only result in one touchdown by the Chargers from senior running back Anthony Godinez as he bounced a 6-yard run to the front-right pylon on the endzone. It was Edison leading 27-0 going into halftime. 

Edmiston would open the scoring once again, causing a pile in the endzone with five minutes left in the third quarter. 

Fountain Valley would find the endzone and get on the scoreboard with only 11 seconds left in the game. Edison keeps the bell with a final score of 34-7. 

Thomson spoke about their strengths in their offense when asked about what he wants to bring into next week.

“I would say our physicality on the ground,” Thomson said. “We ran power very effectively against them [Fountain Valley]. I think we ran for four touchdowns.”

Edison now improves to 4-1 on the season, facing a 2-3 La Serna team at California High School for a non-league matchup next week. The Barons open their Foxtrot league competition against a 3-2 Orange High School team at Fred Kelly Stadium on Oct. 2 after a bye week.