QBs will have chance to shine during annual Warren vs. Downey game at SoFi Stadium
The Warren vs. Downey football rivalry game at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood today at 7 p.m. has been described as a ”once-in-alifetime experience” by Warren coach Kevin Pearson.
It will be the first time a high school football game has been played at SoFi Stadium, the home of the NFL's Rams and Chargers. The venue, which opened in 2020, has also hosted Super Bowl LVI and the College Football Playoff National Championship.
The game is an opportunity for players from both teams, in particular the team's standout quarterbacks, to shine on the biggest stage of their high school football careers.
Downey (6-1, 2-0) will be led by standout quarterback Oscar Rios, who has quickly emerged as a leader for the Vikings' offense. The 6-foot-3 sophomore has consistently played well, leading his team on a current six-game winning streak. He is a transfer from Orange High, where she split time at quarterback as a freshman.
Rios has completed 99 of 140 attempts — 70.7% —for 1,693 yards, 15 touchdowns and five interceptions in seven games. He is averaging 242 yards passing per game. Rios also has a team-high 478 yards rushing and five touchdowns on 43 carries. He's averaging 11.1 yards per carry.
Warren (5-2, 2-0) will be led by quarterback Madden Iamaleava, a four-star recruit according to 247 Sports. The 6-foot-3 junior is a starting quarterback for the first time. For his first two high school years he served as the backup for his older brother, Nico Iamaleava, now a freshman at Tennessee.
Madden has completed 75 of 115 attempts — 65.2% — for 1,412 yards, 15 touchdowns and two interceptions in five games this season. He is averaging 282 yards passing per game and has rushed for 36 yards and two touchdowns.
Warren is ranked No. 38 in the CIF Southern Section by CalPreps. Downey is ranked No. 54.
Warren is projected to win 35-24 by CalPreps, which gives the Bears a 75% chance to win the game.