The Hemet High School football team recently was announced as the 2024-25 recipient of the National Football Federation’s Hatchell Cup.
The Hatchell Cup recognizes the Bulldogs for their excellence on the field and in the classroom, along with their work in the community. Hemet was chosen from 65 nominees and is the first California team to win the national award since its inception in the 2021-22 season.
“I’m always looking for ways for our kids to be recognized for the work they put in throughout the school year,” Bulldogs coach Jeff Galloway said. “An award like this really solidifies that we have high standards for our program and that the players are meeting them in every way.”
Galloway, who also is the school’s softball coach, will make a trip to Texas this spring to accept the Hatchell Cup trophy. The program will receive $10,000 from Bob’s Steak & Chop House, the presenting sponsor of the award. The Rose Bowl Legacy Foundation will honor the Bulldogs’ victory, as well, by placing a brick in The Brick Plaza, which is located outside of Gate A of the Rose Bowl in Pasadena.
“Hemet High School’s selection as the 2025 recipient of the NFF Hatchell Cup is a testament to their commitment to excellence in every facet of student-athlete life,” NFF chairman Archie Manning said in a release. “This award recognizes not just their achievements on the field, but their dedication in the classroom and their impact in the community. Their ability to balance academic success with athletic performance and meaningful service embodies the values we celebrate with this award. We congratulate Coach Jeff Galloway, his staff, and the entire Hemet community on this well-earned honor.”
Galloway first learned of the Hatchell Cup after receiving an email regarding the award when he took over the program three years ago. Hemet was 1 of 3 nominees from California for last season’s national award. The program was the state’s only nominee this year.
Eligibility requirements for the Hatchell Cup include a minimum cumulative team GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale. Hemet’s cumulative GPA this season was 3.55. More than half of the varsity players (27 of 53) made the honor roll, with 17 of them enrolled in Advancement Placement (AP) or honors classes. Leading the way is senior quarterback and safety Draven Lopez, who has a 4.57 GPA and is in consideration to be Hemet’s valedictorian.
“I’ve coached a lot of scholar athletes during my years of coaching, but I’ve never had someone who is 1 or 2 in their class,” Galloway said about Lopez.
“But Draven is just one of many examples on this team. A lot of players play multiple sports and are training year round. And yet they still find time in their busy schedules to make sure they are succeeding in the classroom. They have made many sacrifices to make sure they excel on and off the field. Our athletes are constantly pushing themselves and always go above and beyond the minimum requirements.”
Hemet went 10-2 this past season and reached the quarterfinal round of the CIF Southern Section Division 8 playoffs. The Bulldogs also were recognized for their work at the school and in the community. The program helped stage a “Super Kids Bowl” for elementary special education students from across the district and a SPED Prom for students with special needs. They served as members of the Associated Student Body and Plus Forum/Student Leadership. The players also engaged in other activities, including the jazz band, marching band, mock trial, ROTC, sports medicine, theatre, and tutoring.
“Our football team continues to show effort, hard work, and dedication both on the field and in our classroom,” Hemet principal Jeff Franks wrote when nominating the team. “They help set a positive tone for our school’s culture and climate and exemplify the term ‘student athlete.’”
