There are and have been plenty of rivalries in the LAEFL: Ant/Erob, Cello/Vince and the famous, “Smoke-A-Bowl,” between Shabby J and Cleon. However, these rivalries have taken years to develop on the field through friendship and competition. Never has there been a rivalry created immediately involving a Rookie Coach and no official game under their belt…until now.
Mark Holguin II brought his father, Mark Holguin Sr, into the world of EFL and in a bizarro-world scenario it was the son teaching his dad how to play. Little did the younger Holguin know that his father continued to study the game, its gameplay, and the extra-curricular activity that follows. In their second scrimmage together, Mark II opened his defense to allow the elder Holguin a chance to create a big play. When he was about to explain a rule, Mark Sr, finished the rule and added, “Hit the switch b***h!” Mark Sr and his Los Angeles Rams won the scrimmage 21-7. That day and since his inclusion in the league, all the LAEFL talks about is how this father/son game will become the next great rivalry. With that, the “273.5 Bowl,” was created and with that a trophy that was fitting for the occasion.
The Name: In Los Angeles, Penal Code 273.5 means a domestic or family disturbance. This has been something that both Mark Sr, a retired Los Angeles Police Officer, and Mark II, a Los Angeles County Emergency Medical Technician, have responded to plenty of times in their careers.
The Trophy: The trophy was originally belonged to the youngest member of the Holguin household, Jacob, as it was his only football trophy. Now that there are numerous baseball trophies, awards, baseballs noting milestones in his career such as first strikeout in college, first save, and a few no-hitters, he had no problem parting ways with it.
Colors: Half powder blue and gold to represent Mark Sr’s alma mater UCLA and half maroon and gold to represent Mark II’s alma mater Arizona State. In the middle of the helmet, there is a navy-blue stripe to signify the uniform they shared in civil service.
A decal will be placed on the side of the winner indicating the year they won. In talking to Mark Sr, ahead of their match he can’t wait to begin this new rivalry and later added, “You are going to have to make the all blue. You won’t have enough room to put my wins on there.” His son Mark II, simply responded, “There may need to be extra security on hand for this game.”
-Thomas Aldrich
LAEFL 