From Miami to the Bay: Big Game features high school connections

As Stanford gears up for the Big Game against Cal, an intriguing subplot emerges from over 3,000 miles away in Miami. The rivalry matchup will feature familiar faces on opposite sidelines, all hailing from Christopher Columbus High School in Miami, Fla.

Cal’s sophomore starting quarterback Fernando Mendoza is no stranger to several Cardinal players. Freshman tight end Benji Blackburn and sophomore inside linebacker Miles McGee were Mendoza’s teammates during his senior year. While others, like freshman outside linebacker Dylan Stephenson and sophomore running back Sedrick Irvin, didn’t share the field with Fernando, but instead played alongside his younger brother, Alberto Mendoza, who is now a freshman quarterback at Indiana University.

This Miami connection adds a layer of familiarity — and perhaps a touch of friendly rivalry — to one of college football’s most storied matchups.

For Stephenson, the Big Game offers an exciting opportunity to reunite with a fellow Columbus Explorer. 

“Fernando, I hear he’s doing really well,” Stephenson said. “I might have to say Alberto is the better brother of the two. It’s pretty crazy that we’re all going this far across the country playing this high quality of football, and I really can’t wait to get after it.”

The Golden Bears quarterback is in the midst of an impressive second season as the leader of the Cal offense. Mendoza has passed for more than 2,700 yards — nearly 1,000 more than last season — and boasts a 68.6 completion percentage.  

Reflecting on the unique dynamic, Stephenson was amused by the prospect of facing a player tied to his high school past. 

“It’s funny to think that the quarterback who I will be going after is connected to me by certain ties,” he said. “I’m really just excited.”  

The camaraderie forged at Columbus extends beyond the field, making the bond Stephenson shares with Mendoza and his fellow Columbus teammates unique. 

“At Columbus, we call it a brotherhood,” Stephenson explained. “I still feel like that stays true to this day. If I need them, I could always count on them to help me out with anything.”  

Blackburn, who played alongside Fernando Mendoza during his senior year, has nothing but praise for his former quarterback.  

“Really, his character stands out the most,” Blackburn said. “He’s a great player, but when I think of Fernando, it’s his character and how good of a person he is on and off the field. His work ethic and leadership on the field, and also him just being there for you all the time off the field…”  

Now, years later, the two will face off in an intense rivalry game. 

“It’s definitely cool,” Blackburn said. “We talk a lot of crap about it. We still call each other every once in a while and text and all that stuff. It’s just cool to see him back then, playing with him in high school, and then see how far we’ve come and playing in college now.”  

Playing against Mendoza brings a personal layer of motivation for Blackburn.

“There’s already a lot of meaning behind this game in the first place. It’s Cal, so this will just add fuel to the fire. But for me, just wanting to beat Fernando, have a little bit of bragging rights, it adds a little bit to my fire.” 

For Stephenson and Blackburn, this year’s Big Game will be their first as Stanford players, and the anticipation is building.  

“It’s huge,” Stephenson said. “My family is coming up. I just can’t wait to see what it’s all about. I’ve heard all about it. It’s one of the biggest rivalries in college football, so I can’t wait to just be a part of it.”  

“I’m excited for the festivities, to see how hyped the campus gets this week, and for how hyped the game is going to be,” Blackburn said.  

Though the players now don different jerseys, the bonds formed at Christopher Columbus High School remain strong. For Blackburn, Stephenson, Irvin and McGee, the Big Game is more than just a rivalry — it’s a reunion.  

Despite the sense of brotherhood among the former high school peers, the competitive instincts are still alive and well heading into Big Game.

“I hope we get a couple of good blitzes after him,” Stephenson said about Mendoza. “I want a sack personally.” 

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