The562’s coverage of football in 2024-25 is sponsored by The Terry Donahue Memorial California Showcase.
The 605 All-Star Game, established in 1967, was a longtime tradition for local high school football players before it fizzled out in 2017. Now, the event is back, and last Saturday at Downey High School, the South All-Stars emerged victorious over the North All-Stars with a 29-14 margin.
The South, led by Millikan head coach and 605 All-Star game alum Romeo Pellum, boasted a roster teeming with Long Beach players who were instrumental in their commanding win.
Starting the game off with a bang, Long Beach Poly defensive back Jonathan Weston, Jr. secured an interception on the North’s opening drive.
“I said when we were warming up, ‘Hey, don’t let me get one,’” he remarked. “First play, they gave me one, so that boosted everybody’s morale.”
Weston Jr. started his high school career at Wilson before transferring to Poly as a senior. His father played in the 605 All-Star Game as a senior at Wilson, and Weston, Jr. said he felt honored to get to follow in his father’s footsteps. He ended up getting another interception in the final defensive series of the game as well, ending his high school football career on a high note.
“I was just having fun,” Weston, Jr. said. “This is my last high school game, and I wanted to come out here and have fun with my boys.”
His interception to open up the action put the South’s top-notch offense on the field, headlined by Millikan running back and Moore League Co-Offensive Player of the Year, Xavier Jones.
Jones quickly made his talent apparent, scoring a five yard rushing touchdown to put his squad on the scoreboard early.
“I had a lot of fun playing with my friends, playing with my brothers actually, that’s what they really are,” Jones said. “We all have a connection, even to people that I didn’t know, (players from) new teams and all, we connected really fast.”
Jones is an explosive playmaker on offense, and rushed for over 800 yards and 13 touchdowns during his senior season for the Rams. He and Weston both are currently in communication with multiple college programs and are looking to continue their football careers at the collegiate level.
Jones’s teammate, Kapono Mao, was another key player for the South. The Moore League Co-Offensive Lineman of the Year, Mao started every game at center for Millikan, leading a powerful running game that helped the Rams secure the league championship. However, he got the chance to play on the defensive line during the 605 All-Star Game.
“It’s always fun playing defense, definitely something I like to do,” Mao said. “It’s always special to get to play another game in general. It was dope especially to play with our guys. We had a great season this year. I know those guys are gonna build on it next year with other people. I just appreciated the moment.”
Mao was among the players who were already committed to playing college football, and he officially signed with Black Hills State during Wednesday’s National Signing Day. He’s been committed to the Yellow Jackets since last summer and is excited to show what he can do at the next level.
“I’ve got a chip on my shoulder,” he said. “I appreciate them giving me the opportunity to come out there and play, I think it’s a blessing, and I can’t wait to go out there and show up.”
Fellow offensive lineman Sei Saolotoga, who started at center for Jordan, also contributed to the victory. The 6-foot-3, 320 pound senior was incredibly grateful for the opportunity to play in the All-Star game, hoping it provided him with another opportunity to be discovered by college coaches. Saolotoga was urged to play in the game by new Jordan head coach Alfred Rowe, who was on the sidelines for the first time representing the Panthers at the All-Star Game.
“It’s my first time ever coming out to a game like this, it’s different,” Saolotoga remarked. “Long Beach has a bunch of talent. Even though it was just two practices, everybody got together, got the job done.”
As the game concluded, these players cemented their places in the prestigious legacy of Long Beach football. The All-Star game is a unique and important chance to play with high school teammates one last time and reflect on the hard work, sacrifices, and triumphs this sport has demanded from these athletes over the past four years.
After the game, the South players huddled around Coach Pellum as he gave a moving post-game speech that perfectly summed up what the day had meant to them.
“This may be the last game some of you ever play in your life. Enjoy the moment.”
