Amon Milliner and Noel Beltran of La Salle By Brian Reed-Baiotto, Sports Editor All Star games aren’t so much about wins and losses, as they are a host of star athletes coming together on one field or court, and showing off their skills. In Friday night’s San Gabriel Valley All-Star game, Pasadena area fans had […]
Amon Milliner and Noel Beltran of La Salle
By Brian Reed-Baiotto, Sports Editor
L-R: Michael Bonds, Coach Jim Bonds and Jace Harrick
All Star games aren’t so much about wins and losses, as they are a host of star athletes coming together on one field or court, and showing off their skills.
In Friday night’s San Gabriel Valley All-Star game, Pasadena area fans had to be thrilled to see the area’s best quarterback connect with our best running back.
St. Francis quarterback Michael Bonds and La Salle running back Amon Milliner connected on a 50-yard score, and Bonds would also throw a second TD later in the game.
The East defeated their West counterparts, 24-21, at West Covina High School.
What made that connection so special to this site was Milliner, the Pasadena Sports Now MVP, and Bonds, our Offensive Player of the Year, were able to go from Angelus League rivals to postseason teammates, and showed the rest of the San Gabriel Valley why they are so coveted among Pasadena football fans.
Bonds completed 9 of 16 passes for 180 yards and the two scores.
Bonds threw a 50-yard TD Milliner, and a 12-yard scoring pass to Arcadia’s Raeshawn Roland early in the fourth quarter to pull the West team to within 24-21.
Bonds also used his legs, which he did all season, and to the surprise or underestimation of many to prolong a second-half drive.
“It was such a great experience to play another Friday night high school football game,” Bonds said. “I felt so blessed to be part of the West team. So many great players. It was great to play with other guys from our league. It was great to be in the backfield again with my teammate, Jace Harrick. It was so fun. It was an awesome experience.”
Milliner didn’t get the ball nearly as often as many would have liked, but he was estimated to have gained approximately 25 yards on 4 carries, and his 50-yard catch and run gave the West their first score.
“It was just great to play with other people from different teams,” Milliner said. “I enjoyed the experience, and also, wanted to send a shout out to my new ‘homies,’ Michael and Jace at St. Francis.”
St. Francis tailback Jace Harrick carried the ball 12 times for 50 yards and caught two passes for 25 yards.
Some felt he got in for a score, but the ref’s unfortunately saw it otherwise.
“It felt good to suit up again on a Friday night. There is really no better feeling,” Harrick said. “It was great to play with some sensational players. I think the best thing is that they were all cool people and it was fun to play with a great running nack who everyone is sleeping on. Always a great time to be back in the backfield with Mikey (St. Francis teammate/quarterback Michael Bonds).”
Golden Knights’ head coach Jim Bonds, and uncle of Michael Bonds couldn’t have been more proud of his two players, but also the area players.
“It was awesome watching two Golden Knights participate in the all-star game together, St. Francis coach Jim Bonds said. “Michael and Jace represented St. Francis very well. It was also great to see the St. Francis fans turn out to watch these two. We had four coaches and at about 50 parents and friends there to support Michael and Jace. I was really impressed by that!”
La Salle lineman Noel Beltran said Friday night was not only fun, but memorable as well.
“It was one of the best experiences I’ve played in,” Beltran said. “It was fun playing with other kids from different schools and coming together as one team. There was a lot of talented people last night and I wish the best for all of them wherever their hearts take them.”
With all the on-the-field fun and drama now over, the area now waits to see where stars like Milliner, Bonds, St. Francis receiver-defensive back Daniel Scott and others choose to continue their athletic careers.
