As 2024 comes to a close, we reflect on a year of remarkable talent, unforgettable moments, and the triumphant spirit of local sports. These moments, chosen by you—the readers—based on clicks and engagement, tell a story of community, competition, and passion. Here are the top local sports stories from each month of the year.
This year, the stories that captured the hearts of our readers demonstrated the remarkable achievements, unforgettable moments, and deep sense of community that local sports bring to the Temecula Valley and beyond. From awe-inspiring feats by high school athletes to professional-level triumphs, these stories showcase the talent and passion bursting from our community.
January – Temecula’s Football Stars Make National Waves
The year kicked off with two Temecula residents earning spots in the high school All-American Bowl, held in Texas. DeAndre Carter, who was an offensive lineman from Mater Dei High School, received national recognition alongside assistant coach DeChon Burns of Linfield Christian, who joined the East coaching staff. This prestigious event highlighted Temecula’s continued impact on football’s national stage and celebrated Carter’s promising future as an Auburn University commit.
February – Basketball Triumphs and Unforgettable Moments
Basketball and soccer stole the spotlight in February. Not only did Temecula Valley’s girls’ soccer team win their seventh straight Southwestern league title, but Temecula Valley boys’ basketball team celebrated their own historic run as well. The Golden Bears won the CIF Southern Section Division 4A title before suffering a heartbreaking loss due to a controversial call in the state championship against George Washington Prep. Meanwhile, Great Oak’s Jaxon Allensworth became a hometown hero with a miraculous half-court buzzer-beater, leaving fans in awe of his freshman composure. Chaparral also made history with their girls’ water polo team winning the CIF Southern Section Division 5 title.
March – National Signing Day Takes Center Stage
The month brought quieter action but meaningful moments as local athletes secured futures in collegiate sports during National Signing Day, an annual celebration where dozens of high school athletes inked their National Letters of Intent. From track stars heading to top UC programs to standout soccer players committing to NCAA and NAIA schools, the day’s energy highlighted the promise of Temecula’s rising stars.
April – Temecula Takes the NFL Stage
April saw four athletes from Temecula achieve the ultimate dream—getting selected in the 2024 NFL Draft. Brennan Jackson (Washington State) and Easton Gibbs (University of Wyoming) both realized their dreams, joining the Rams and Seahawks, respectively. Meanwhile, Chaparral High graduates Justin Dedich and Steven Jones signed undrafted free agent contracts, proving Temecula talent is making waves in the big leagues. This milestone marked the culmination of years of hard work for these local stars, showcasing Temecula’s ability to cultivate football talent capable of competing at the highest level of professional sports.
May – Demolition Derby Meets Hometown Spirit
Perris Auto Speedway’s thrilling “Night of Destruction” event captivated readers in May, delivering chaos and excitement with demolition derbies, figure-8 races, and family-friendly entertainment. High school playoff competitions also drew considerable attention as local teams vied for postseason glory across various sports.
June – Temecula’s Kelsie Whitmore’s Remarkable Journey
June focused on Kelsie Whitmore’s groundbreaking accomplishments. The Temecula native balanced her Oakland Ballers professional baseball career, her spot on Forbes’ “30 Under 30” list, and the launch of her own business—all while continuing to inspire young athletes. Her story resonated far beyond the sports community, becoming a highlight of the year.
July – MLB Draft Captures Headlines
Hometown pride soared in July, which was a standout month for local baseball as dreams came true for three local athletes selected in the MLB Draft. Braylon Doughty grabbed headlines when he was picked 36th overall by the Cleveland Guardians. Dylan Fien (Oakland A’s) and Woody Hadeen (Detroit Tigers) followed, their selections highlighting the consistent output of pro-level talent from the region.
August – Community Rallies for Injured Player
August brought a sobering moment as the community rallied around a former high school football star who was paralyzed during a college-team practice. The outpouring of support from across the nation emphasized the profound human connection inherent in sports. September followed with San Jacinto High honoring a longtime coach by naming their football field after him—enshrining his legacy in local sporting history.
September – Honoring a Local Legacy
September saw a touching tribute to a long-serving coach with the renaming of San Jacinto High School’s football field in his honor. When Bill Powell started teaching and coaching at San Jacinto High School in 1995, he couldn’t imagine that nearly 30 years later, he would be honored by having its football field named for him. The San Jacinto Unified School District Board of Trustees unanimously voted to have the SJHS Tiger Field named the SJHS Coach Powell Tiger Field at their June 10 board meeting and the official dedication took place on Sept. 20 at halftime when the Tigers faced San Bernardino’s Cajon High School. This story highlighted the deep connections between sports and the lives it touches, celebrating a legacy of mentorship and leadership.
October – Clippers Bring the NBA to Temecula
This spooky month provided new highlights as the Clippers partnered with Pechanga Resort Casino to host an open practice event, further tying professional sports to the local landscape. November, meanwhile, celebrated high school playoffs, with four area football teams reaching CIF-SS semifinals. Adding to the jubilation, Murrieta’s 10U Blitzhawks thrilled fans with an unstoppable run toward Super Bowl status, captivating audiences throughout November and December.
November – A Season of High School Football Playoffs
November brought CIF semifinal and final action to the forefront, with four local football teams competing for championships. Murrieta Mesa would be the ones to make history by capturing their first-ever CIF-SS football title with a hard-fought 17-7 win. Adding to the excitement, the Murrieta Valley 10U Blitzhawks became a powerhouse in their Pop Warner football division, advancing to regional and national levels. Readers also flocked to coverage of the grand opening of a new recreation hub in Temecula
December – Holiday Season Highlights
December offered a mix of achievements and resilience. Despite a valiant effort in the Pop Warner National Quarterfinals, the 10U Blitzhawks’ season ended in Florida. Still, the team’s achievements electrified their city, with Coach Matt vowing to come back stronger. Elsewhere, Murrieta brothers, Jake and Jason Steele, made headlines by leading Boise State to a game-changing Mountain West Football Championship, further cementing the local area’s national reputation for athleticism.
From game-changing moments on the court to life-changing events off the field, 2024 reminded us why sports are about more than just scores—they’re about stories that bring communities together. This past year was bursting with unforgettable stories that united fans, athletes, and the wider community. From high-stakes competition to inspirational personal journeys, Temecula Valley’s sports scene continues to shine. Our goal remains to celebrate these moments and foster the spirit of competition and camaraderie. Here’s to an even greater 2025!
Happy New Year from the Valley News Sports Department and remember in 2025 to send local sports tips and info to sports@reedermedia.com.
