The best game of the year in the last game of the year, the way it should be. Been doing this a long time and never felt for a team more than I felt for Bonita, a cruel way to lose, no other way to explain it. It was a game that will go down as one of the all-time greats, had atmosphere and a fourth quarter shootout in week fourteen, what more could you ask? Garrett Pendleton delivered the game of his career, passing for 357 yards and putting his team in position to win setting up Brandt Davis’ 39 yard field goal with 1:45 left for a 33-30 lead. Even on West Covina’s final drive, Bonita had a chance at a pick that would have sealed the deal, but it left the door open and the Bulldogs walked in. Chris Solomon’s 20-yard run was followed by Aaron Salgado’s 17-yard run to the Bearcats’ 1, setting up George Johnson’s one-yard touchdown run with 25 seconds left for a 37-33 victory and the Bulldogs’ second championship since 2004.

Game story, West Covina 37, Bonita 33: West Covina High School football coach Mike Maggiore knew he had arguably some of the best talent in the area. But the Bulldogs also showed another trait that can be decisive in championship football games — heart.

Aram Column: Yes, the Bulldogs are champions this morning. Victors over Bonita in one of the Valley’s greatest-ever games Friday … but not before giving their fans a major scare and allowing the ghost of their only defeat this season into the stadium.

George Johnson’s night: Numbers have never told the story of West Covina High School quarterback George Johnson.

Garrett Pendleton’s night: After breaking his arm the week before football season began, Garrett Pendleton somehow played 10 games in 2010. The Bonita High School quarterback would’ve given it all back for the last 24 seconds of his senior year.

For a look at Keith Birmingham’s championship photo gallery, click thread.

Highlights and interviews with the Inland Insider, Tom Kiss