IRVING, Texas – Hemet High School’s football program has reached a pinnacle of excellence as the Bulldogs have been named the 2025 recipient of the NFF Hatchell Cup, presented by Bob’s Steak & Chop House. Recognized by the National Football Foundation (NFF) and College Hall of Fame as the top academic high school football team in the nation, the Bulldogs have achieved a historic milestone that celebrates their success on the field, in the classroom, and within their community. This distinction includes a $10,000 donation from Bob’s Steak & Chop House to support Hemet’s football program.
“This award celebrates their ability to balance academic achievement with athletic performance and meaningful community service,” said NFF Chairman Archie Manning. “Hemet High’s selection as the 2025 Hatchell Cup winner demonstrates their commitment to excellence in every facet of life.”
Hemet High emerged as the national winner after an intensive nomination and selection process. Competing against winners from individual state high school coaches associations, Hemet triumphed over 65 finalists from the pool of state recipients of the 2024-25 NFF National High School Academic Excellence Awards, presented by the Rose Bowl Legacy Foundation. A national committee ultimately selected the Bulldogs for the honor, solidifying their status as a model program for students, players, and educators alike.
The Hemet Bulldogs’ academic achievements underpin their success. With an impressive cumulative GPA of 3.55, the team placed 27 of its 53 players onto the school Honor Roll. Seventeen team members excel in Advanced Placement (AP) and honors courses. Leading the way academically is senior quarterback Draven Lopez, who maintained an extraordinary 4.57 GPA while holding the distinction of class valedictorian.
Hemet High’s prowess wasn’t limited to the classroom. On the field, they compiled a 10-2 record for the 2024 season, reaching the CIF Southern Section Division 8 Playoff Quarterfinals. A season highlight saw the Bulldogs exacting revenge on league rival Rancho Christian in the first playoff round after a regular season loss. Over four years, the team built an impressive legacy with a 31-15 record, three playoff appearances, and two Sunbelt League championships. Ten players earned All-League honors this season, with Lopez and team captain Tyler Trout being named to the All-CIF Southern Section Division 8 team.
What sets Hemet High apart is their community engagement and the positive culture fostered within their program. The team participated in initiatives like the “Super Kids Bowl,” an enriching event for special education students across their district, and a SPED Prom for students with special needs. Beyond football, team members contributed to the school’s Associated Student Body, Jazz Band, Plus Forum/Student Leadership, ROTC, and other extracurricular activities.
According to Principal Dr. Jeff Franks, this dedication to community and teamwork exemplifies the term “student-athlete.” “Our football team sets a positive tone for our school’s culture and continues to display effort, hard work, and discipline both on the field and in the classroom,” Franks wrote when nominating the team for the award.
The NFF will formally present the Hatchell Cup at a ceremony to be held later this spring. Further sweetening the recognition, the Rose Bowl Legacy Foundation will honor Hemet High with a commemorative brick in The Brick Plaza outside Gate A at the renowned Rose Bowl Stadium.
This season marked the third year of Bob’s Steak & Chop House serving as the presenting sponsor of the NFF Hatchell Cup. Bob Sambol, founder of Bob’s Steak & Chop House, emphasized the significance of the honor. “Hemet High School and the finalists have demonstrated a commitment to excellence in athletics, academics, and their communities. We are proud to recognize these values through this award.”
Named after NFF President & CEO Steve Hatchell, the cup highlights the NFF’s mission to promote the scholar-athlete ideal. Under Hatchell’s leadership, the foundation has expanded its efforts, ensuring programs like the Hatchell Cup inspire the next generation to pursue success with integrity on the field, in the classroom, and in their communities.
Hemet High’s achievement represents more than trophies and GPAs. It reflects a collective effort by the coaches, educators, players, and community that has positioned the football program as a force for good. Head Coach Jeff Galloway and Athletic Director William Ray spearheaded a team that not only produced wins but also inspired a culture of academic excellence and social responsibility.
High school football has long served as a platform for developing leadership, teamwork, and discipline, but Hemet stands out for doing so while setting benchmarks in academics and community engagement.
Their success makes it clear – excellence thrives when values align, and Hemet High’s Bulldogs have embraced this ideology wholeheartedly.
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