Editorial:

Very clever. And more than a little shady.

That was our impression upon hearing the news that a group of students and parents at Edison and Fountain Valley high schools had raced to buy tickets for the Bell Game this weekend, then offered the tickets on Craigslist for ridiculously high prices.

As we said, it was a clever move. The Edison-Fountain Valley game is a huge event for the rival schools, and many people in both communities (not to mention their cousins, grandparents, aunts and uncles) would gladly shell out $55 or more for a ticket if they had no alternative. It’s that kind of ruthless price-gouging that’s sustained the life of many a corporation.

How did sports legend Leo Durocher put it? Nice guys finish last.

But then, the Bell Game isn’t a corporate extravaganza. It’s a hometown event. And turning a profit off students’ and families’ loyalty to their schools is a cheap stunt. Students who would take advantage of their classmates and community deserve a stern talking-to from their parents. And parents who would engage in this kind of activity ought to be ashamed of themselves.

If any students made a killing off resold tickets, we at least hope they use the money for college or something else important. It’s the least they can do for causing grown-ups to pony up hundreds of dollars for a game where adult tickets are supposed to go for $8. Any students who walk through the commons showing off bling in the coming weeks may get unwelcome looks.

Take a parent like Kimberly Bonham, who had to buy 13 tickets to the Bell Game when her family members made plans to come from out of town. “It was just the worst feeling to see them for $55,” she said. We have a feeling it was the worst feeling for a lot of people, especially in a recession economy.

Regardless, we hope the Bell Game is a good one. Both Edison and Fountain Valley are 8-0 going into it, so one will finish the night with its first loss of the season while the other will coast undefeated. A game like that demands drama and unexpected twists, and there may be plenty in the offing.

It’s just a shame greed had to taint the event off the field. And we hope the scalpers who lined their pockets this week will be more considerate of their hometown in the future.