IRVING, Texas (April 27, 2025) The National Football Foundation (NFF) & College Hall of Fame traveled to Southern California this past Friday to formally recognize Hemet High School as the 2024-25 recipient of the NFF Hatchell Cup, presented by Bob's Steak & Chop House. The honor solidified the Bulldogs' place as the top high school football team in the nation for excellence on the field, in the classroom, and in the community.

Standing before a packed gymnasium of students, families, and school officials, Hemet High School Head Football Coach Jeff Galloway summed up the magnitude of the moment in just a few words.

"This could not be possible without your dedication and you guys rising to our standards and then exceeding them," he said to the players gathered. "Enjoy this. This will be a memory for a lifetime."

During the ceremony, NFF Chief Operating Officer Matthew Sign shared what Hemet's achievement means on a national level.

"This is not just an award for the football program," Sign said. "This is a reflection of the entire Hemet community—your parents, your teachers, your coaches, and every student who supported one another. You are national champions."

In February, Hemet was selected from a pool of 65 state winners of the NFF National High School Academic Excellence Awards, presented by the Rose Bowl Legacy Foundation, as the best in the nation. Founded in 1947, the National Football Foundation has long championed the scholar-athlete ideal, and the Hatchell Cup, named for NFF President & CEO Steve Hatchell, represents the highest recognition a high school football team can achieve.

"This isn't just an award. It's a testament to who we are, to our coaches, our players, our staff, our families, our community," said Hemet High School Principal Dr. Jeff Franks. "It reflects the hard work put on the field, the dedication shown in the classroom, the positive impact made far beyond the scoreboard, receiving this national recognition means the world. It validates the effort, the culture and the character that defines our program." 

The recognition capped a storybook year for the Bulldogs, who finished 10-2, reached the CIF Southern Section Division 8 Playoff Quarterfinals, and earned a team GPA of 3.55. Of the 53 players on the roster, 27 earned a spot on the Honor Roll, with 17 enrolled in Advanced Placement and honors classes. Quarterback Draven Lopez, a four-year starter and Hemet's salutatorian with a 4.57 GPA, epitomized the team's drive to succeed in every arena.

"Our players made a real difference in the classroom, on the field, and in the community," said Hemet Athletic Director William Ray during the ceremony. "They have shown the world that you don't have to choose between athletics, academics, or service—you can do it all."

The Bulldogs' commitment to service was equally impressive. Players organized events like the "Super Kids Bowl" for special education students, helped stage a SPED Prom, and took leadership roles in student government, the band, ROTC, mock trial, and tutoring programs across the campus.

The Hatchell Cup comes with a $10,000 donation to the football program. In addition, Hemet High's legacy will be enshrined with a commemorative brick at the Rose Bowl Stadium's Brick Plaza in Pasadena and recognition at the College Football Hall of Fame in Atlanta.

Sign read a text message aloud at the ceremony from NFF Chairman Archie Manning, which said: "Hemet High's ability to balance academic success with athletic performance and meaningful service embodies the values we celebrate with this award." Manning praised Head Coach Jeff Galloway, his staff, and the entire Hemet community for creating an environment where excellence is expected—and achieved.

"You deserve all the credit," Galloway responded, telling his players. "This is your moment. You earned it."