Chargers honor CIF San Diego high school officials as NFHS “Crew of the Month” for September
The Los Angeles Chargers announced on Oct. 13, 2026, that seven high school football officials from the CIF San Diego Section were named the inaugural National Federation of State High School Associations referee “Crew of the Month” for September. The recognition was part of a new NFL program this season that involved all 32 clubs and highlighted officiating crews that displayed honesty, objectivity and dedication to interscholastic athletics. Honorees were selected not necessarily for being the best officials on the field but for going above and beyond in supporting student-athletes and upholding the values of education-based athletics.
The honored crew from Southern California comprises referee Terry Bernard; umpire Michael Weseloh; head linesman David Collins; line judge Jimmy Christensen; back judge Jordan Graves; side judge Devonta Cunningham; and field judge Lavil Franklin. The Chargers said the group was selected for qualities that extend beyond on-field performance, including service to student-athletes and commitment to education-based sports. The selection reflected the program’s emphasis on integrity, teamwork and professionalism among high school officials.
The crew was nominated by Brian Seymour, the CIF associate executive director. “This officiating crew is being nominated for Crew of the Month for consistently demonstrating the highest standards of honesty, objectivity, professionalism, and commitment to interscholastic football,” Brian Seymour, the CIF associate executive director, said. “Their dedication to working as a team, treating coaches and student-athletes with respect, and going above and beyond what is expected of contest officials reflects positively on high school football officiating and makes them deserving of this recognition.”
The Chargers said the NFHS “Crew of the Month” program would continue with additional honorees announced from September through December as part of the league-wide initiative. The program aimed to raise the profile of officials who support education-based athletics and to reinforce consistent standards across high school football. The club said it planned to spotlight another crew in each of the coming months to highlight the broader connection between the NFL and grassroots football.
NFL Sports Blog Take
By recognizing a local high school officiating crew, the Chargers spotlighted a seldom-noted but essential part of the football ecosystem. The announcement fit into the NFL’s broader effort to connect with grassroots football and to promote standards of conduct and professionalism in youth athletics. Highlighting nominees who emphasize teamwork and respect reinforced the educational mission of high school sports and provided positive visibility for officials who help keep games fair and safe.