In 2010 it was called the 'Battle at the Capital.' 

The original name derived from simple geography. It was a well intended but struggling football showcase that began in Northern California, in and around the state capital of Sacramento. 

That's when a longtime football coach from the area, Mark Soto, became involved and eventually in charge. Within a few years, the event expanded into Southern California, and became formally known as the Honor Bowl.

The purpose: to raise awareness and funds for U.S. military veterans, specifically those who suffered injury in the line of duty. It's a personal mission for Soto, who saw two of his sons serve in the military for a combined 18 years. He coached both in football, and reluctantly watched as both were moved so much by the the events of 9/11, they decided to put their lives in harms way and serve their country.

For Arizona natives, 9/11 was a similar motive that inspired former Sun Devil and Arizona Cardinal favorite Pat Tillman, who lost his life in Afghanistan in 2004. 

Luckily for Soto, both his sons retired from service and back home, albeit with injuries. Veterans like that of Soto's sons and thousands of other verterans is the reason why the Honor Bowl exists. Among hundreds of volunteers, schools and other coaches, Soto's perserverance is also why the Honor Bowl has expanded beyond California for the first time in history of the showcase. 

Out of State

Tonight at Red Mountain High School will be an honorary first. The Mountain Lions will host Downey (CA) as part of a tackle and flag doubleheader that will follow up Saturday evening at Liberty High. The defending Open State champion Lions will host Corona Centennial (CA), a perrenial power and the only blemish on LIberty's record last year.

"This is really amazing that we've taken it outside of California," Soto said Thursday. "This used to be a local thing in Northern California, and now Red Mountain will be the first school to ever host out of state. I couldn't be happier, and I'm really impressed with the campus and facilities. The Liberty-(Corona) Centennial game being on a Saturday...that's going to be an amazing crowd."

Red Mountain has participated in the Honor Bowl the last two seasons, traveling to Southern California both times. Mountain Pointe, Chandler and Perry are among other local teams who have played in the last few years. Honor Bowl games are typically played in the first few weeks of the regular season. But until this season, California was always the host state.

Perry QB Kael Snyder (12) won individual honors after the Pumas defeated Granite Hills (CA) in an Honor Bowl game two weeks ago. (Photo by Steven Silva/MaxPreps)

"It's pretty awesome," Red Mountain coach Kyle Enders said. "I don't think we realized everything that goes into this until now. Before it's been a fun road trip. We get out of the heat. We know it's for a sacred cause and it's amazing to be involved, but seeing what it takes just to make this work is really amazing." 

The host and visiting schools typically give up regular ticket proceeds to help fund the Honor Bowl's non-profit organization.

Saluting the Flag

It's been a historic week for flag football in Arizona, and this weekend may be the icing on the cake, thanks to the Honor Bowl. Tonight's Red Mountain-Downey match up will be preceded by Red Mountain's flag football team hosting 6A defending state champion Mountain View at 5:07. 

Tommorow night at Liberty, two other top-rated flag teams will face off with Hamilton and 5A defending champion Campo Verde. Earlier this week, the Arizona Cardinals televised the Hamilton vs. Xavier flag opener.