Week after week they kept winning football games. The excitement grew with each win. Finally after twelve games the stage was set for the Southern California championship. Downey was going to play undefeated Anaheim High School in the Los Angeles Coliseum on December 13, 1956.

On a foggy Friday night both teams fought to a 13 - 13 tie to become co-champions of Southern California. There were 41,383 people to watch the game. This is the largest crowd ever in California high school history.

DOWNEY HIGH SCHOOL'S 1956 "DREAM TEAM"
By Lash Stevenson

Downey 13, Anaheim 13

The story that started 12 games earlier reached its climax on the fog-bound Los Angeles Coliseum battlefield. The largest crowd ever to witness a CIF contest–41,383–saw two of prepdom's finest teams battle to a 13-13 tie.

The game was summed up by Coach Dick Hill, "I didn't think it could ever have happened the way it did. It was a storybook ending. It was amazing."

The struggle waged by the two precision teams, players agreed, could not be fully appreciated from the grandstands. The spirit and determation of two evenly matched teams, was best understood by the players and coaches.

It has been said that, "The fortitude of men shows up, under pressure and handicap." Due to numerous injuries and sicknesses, both teams weren't up to physical par, but the way they battled for 48 minutes, spectators agreed, proved their worth as champions.

Late in the first quarter Anaheim's Mickey flynn, danced 62 yards for a touchdown, right in front of the Downey High rooting section.

A few minutes after Flynn's score, Downey's Randy Meadows, scored on a 69 yard run in front of the Anaheim rooting section. The conversion was missed and Anaheim led 7 to 6 at the half.

Anaheim scored again in the second half on a one yard plunge by Flynn. The conversion was missed.

The first quarter was dominated by Downey's determined linemen and hard-charging backs. Ron Russell, Brent Mcdowell, and Joe Sallinger carried the load of the attack as Meadows had sustained a chipped elbow early in the first quarter. Russell scored the last touchdown and the tying conversion. Total yardage: Downey 310, Anaheim 237.

On Friday, November 3 of this year we will have a "Viking Sports Reunion" to celebrate the 50th anniversary of that game. The party will start at approximately 5:30 PM at the Embassy Suites in Downey. We will then attend the Downey vs. Gahr Football game that evening at 7 PM. Game tickets will be seven dollars.

For those who want to spend the night, the Embassy Suites will offer a special room rate of $129.00 (reserve before October 21). Call (562) 861- 1900 and reference Viking Sports Reunion.

For those that would like to contribute to the Downey football program please make your check to: DOWNEY HIGH FOOTBALL BOOSTERS #95-6006586, mail to: Downey High Football Boosters, 10712 Lesterford Ave., Downey, Ca. 90241