Los Gatos Hosts Memorable 50th Charlie Wedemeyer All-Star Game
LOS GATOS — A thrilling evening unfolded in the city as the 50th edition of the Charlie Wedemeyer All-Star Game showcased some of the best senior high school football talent in the South Bay. The South team emerged victorious with a score of 22-6 in a game filled with breathtaking plays and a sense of unpredictability.
One standout moment came from Leland’s senior linebacker, Hudson Vye, who made a spectacular 97-yard fumble recovery touchdown. After seeing the ball pop up in the air, Vye leaped into action. “I had to hop over a dude in order to get it. And I just ran,” he recalled, describing the surreal moment where time seemed to slow down.
The game was a tense battle, with both teams initially struggling to find the end zone. The South team took a narrow lead at halftime with a 35-yard field goal from Casey Carr from Santa Teresa. The game picked up in the third quarter when Overfelt’s Asziah Smith scored a 37-yard touchdown after catching a screen pass from Jaxen Robinson. This touchdown sparked excitement among the South players.
However, the highlight of the night was undoubtedly Vye’s game-changing touchdown. With the North team approaching the red zone, the South defense forced a critical fumble, giving Vye the opportunity to secure the ball and sprint down the sideline for a monumental score. “We got a W,” Vye said, beaming with pride.
South coach Steve Papin, who previously participated as a player in this historic game, expressed his joy over the win. “It’s full circle,” he said, reflecting on how much the game means to both players and coaches.
The North team did not come away empty-handed, however. Aaron Knapp from St. Francis managed to score the North’s only touchdown with a 1-yard sneak. Players like Brayden Rosa from Wilcox showcased their versatility by contributing on both offense and defense.
The night was not just about competition; it was also a celebration of the community and camaraderie among players. Vye mentioned the unique experience of joining forces with former rivals, stating, “We’re teammates, we’re brothers.”
As the game wrapped up, three special awards were presented at halftime, honoring players overcoming tremendous challenges. Roman Jacobs received the Coaches Against Cancer Spirit of a Champion Award; RJ Canaan was celebrated with the Dwight Clark Award, and Aaron Knapp took home the Charlie Wedemeyer Never Give Up Award for his inspirational journey battling lymphoma.
This year’s Charlie Wedemeyer All-Star Game lived up to its rich legacy, offering unforgettable moments and highlighting the incredible spirit of high school football.
