Many legends and stories have come out of this Marine League rivalry known as “The Harbor Battle” dating back to 1948. The nickname came about since most of the students’ parents work in the adjacent industrial harbor area of Long Beach. Wages are bet on the outcome of this game and proud parents earn bragging rights from their kids. The teams are from the two oldest schools in the area. Banning, founded in 1926 and formerly a predominant all black school, now has a large Hispanic demographic as does San Pedro, founded in 1935. Legendary Coach Chris Ferragamo, brother of LA Ram Vince, has been Banning’s coach since 1969. Until he took over the coaching program, San Pedro led the series. Banning has produced 14 NFL players under his direction, including Frank Manimaleuna, Courtney Hall, Travis Davis, Stanley Wilson and of course, Vince. San Pedro’s Head Coach Mike Walsh is no slouch himself, having won many Marine League titles and four city titles, as well as having coached three undefeated seasons and having been in the playoffs every single year.

MVP

Christian Farrow

San Pedro

SCHOLAR ATHLETES

James Sykes II

Banning

James Sykes II is the starting cornerback for Banning and a member of the basketball and track teams. He has been on the Honor Roll every year in high school. James is in the top 10% of his class and plans to attend Arizona State University.

Marc LeGrande

San Pedro

Marc LaGrande is a four-year letterman on the San Pedro varsity football team, receving 2nd Team All-Marine League as a sophomore. Marc coaches flag football in his spare time. He plans to attend San Diego State University and pursue a degree in criminal justice.

GAME SUMMARY

This year's "Harbor Battle" had all the usual hype. Teams were pumped and ready for this Marine League game and all the pride and prowess associated with winning. It was truly a battle, with the teams going in at the half scoreless. Banning tried to pull one over on the Pirates as they changed their jerseys to black at the half hoping for a spark. It didn't work. Banning made two costly mistakes and MVP Christian Farrow broke a 50-yard run for a touchdown. Banning had a chance on the next play as quarterback Fie Faaituala broke one to the 2-yard line. A block in the back called the play back and the clock ran out for the Pilots. San Pedro won 14-7, giving them their seventh win for the past eight years. And so the legend continues…