Bragging rights on the line as Downey meets Warren
Warren quarterback Jordan Malikin (9) makes a pass as they played South Gate last Friday. (Photo by Keith Durflinger)
DOWNEY — It’s simply called “The Rivalry.”
There are rivalries and there are rivalries, but then there is Downey-Warren. Now, that’s a rivalry.
Sure, Warren lost last Friday to La Serna. Sure, Downey won to get to the .500 mark.
Throw all of that out when it comes to Downey-Warren.
This Friday night (October 9), thousands of students, administrators, fans, alumni and yes, maybe some local politicians will fill the stands at Warren to cheer on the Vikings and Bears.
The rivalry goes back 67 years, with the first game being played in 1958.
“This Friday night all eyes are going to be at Justice Stadium at Warren High School,” Downey Mayor Claudia M. Frometa said. “We have one of the longest rivalries between Downey and Warren high schools and this means so much to our community. It brings all of us together.”
Downey (3-3, 1-0) became a high school in 1901 as Los Nietos and 18 years later in 1919 officially became Downey High School, while Warren was established in 1955.
It has become one of the preeminent football rivalries in Southern California.
“Downey-Warren is more than just a football game,” said Downey football coach Jack Williams, who is a Downey alum. “It’s a rivalry built on pride, passion and generations of players, coaches, families and fans.
“This will be the 68th time our two programs meet with bragging rights on the line. We are excited to continue the history which runs deep and the atmosphere is electric. Both student bodies really make this game one of a kind.”
Warren (4-2, 0-1) coach Adam Leonard, who is in his third year as the head coach, also said of the rivalry game: “I’m excited for our guys to go out and put on a good show for the City of Downey.”
“This will be our toughest game of the season. Downey does so many things well. We have to be disciplined, focused and determined for 48 minutes plus.”
Leonard concluded by saying, “Each day is important for us to have our best practices to minimize mistakes and hopefully put them in position to make errors and capitalize on it.”
Downey athletic director Mark Rand, who is also a Downey alum, said of the rivalry: “Every fall, the Downey High and Warren High rivalry game turns Downey into a city divided by school colors and united by community pride. It’s the one night when classmates, alumni, and neighbors fill the stands, dust off their old letterman jackets, and trade friendly jabs that have been building all year.
“For the players it’s the game that defines a season, regardless of the standings. For the fans, it’s a tradition that connects generations, from parents who once stood on the same sidelines to students making memories of their own.”
Rand added, “The band plays louder, the cheers last longer, and the bragging rights carry until next year. Win or lose, the rivalry is a reminder of what makes high school football special: school spirit, local pride, and a shared love of hometown.
“Come early, wear your colors, and be part of the tradition.”
A first for high school football took place three years ago, with the rivalry moving to SoFi Stadium, home of the Rams and Chargers.
In their continuing annual games, Downey has won the last two seasons, with the 2024 victory halting a six-year winning streak by the Bears.
Three current NCAA DI quarterbacks, Nico Iamaleava of UCLA and Aidan Chiles of Northwestern, faced each other in 2021 and ’22. In addition, Nico’s brother, Madden Iamaleava, is also a quarterback at UCLA.
Warren is led by senior quarterback Jordan Malikin, who has thrown for 24 touchdowns with only two interceptions for 1,652 yards (107 for 168).
Leading the ground game is senior running back Brandon Shade with 180 yards on 39 carries, while junior running backs Robert Carter, Jr. and Martis Thomas have rushed for 135 yards (31 carries, 1 TD) and 102 yards (27 carries, 1 TD) respectively.
Leading the receivers is senior Julian Padin with 581 yards (35 catches, 7 TDs), while junior Dylan Thompson (348 yards, 22 catches, 6 TDs) and senior Dallas Watson (332 yards, 18 catches, 6 TDs).
Leading the defense is junior linebacker Michael Thomas with 46 tackles (28 solo, 18 assusts, 1 sack) and sophomore linebacker Jonathan Currenbell with 38 tackles (10 solo, 28 assts., 2 sacks).
Downey is led by sophomore quarterback Chase Watkins (65 for 105, 1,043 yards, 10 TDs, 3 Int.), who also has run for 200 yards on 28 carries and two touchdowns.
He has a corps of four receivers – senior Damani Porras, with 391 yards on 22 receptions and seven TDs; sophomore Joshua Leon with 272 yards, 14 catches and two TDs; junior Jesus Rios (229 yards, 17 catches, 1 TD and sophomore Buddy Tuiagamoa (203 yards, 20 catches, 1 TD).
Junior running back Max Acosta leads with 447 yards on 79 carries and 3 TDs, while junior RB Jayden Diaz has 163 yards on 21 carries and three TDs.
Defensively, junior linebacker Mathew Dalhover leads the Vikings with 34 solo tackles. He also has 16 assists and leads the team with 50 total tackles. Sophomore linebacker Gavin Chapman has 22 solo tackles, 22 assists for 49 total tackles, while junior defensive back Kingston Fasavalu has 38 tackles (17 solo, 21 assists.). Junior defensive tackle Jaycee Moore leads with 4 sacks.