On October 10,  the biggest game in Chino Hills will take place at Ruben S. Ayala High School in the 22nd annual Battle for the Bone Football (BFTB) game. It’s the Chino Hills Huskies versus the Ayala Bulldogs. A rivalry that began in 2003, which has since then been one of the most highly anticipated football games in the area, brings tons of fans from both schools for the yearly matchup. But here we are now–the year is 2025, and the game is approaching fast with stakes that seem to be higher than in previous years. 

Ayala had full control over the game from 2018 to 2023, going for a “7-peat,” but after a tough loss last season, that streak was broken. But that game is now a part of the past, and the Bulldogs are anxiously waiting for their revenge. 

“We’re determined and highly motivated to bring the bone back home,” Varsity player Evan Meza (11) said. “We aren’t taking anything lightly this season, and all of us are bringing 110% effort going into the game.”

But another aspect of this game that is taken into account is home-field advantage. The bleachers, no matter the location, are filled with excited students and parents who do their part by cheering on their team from the minute the game begins to the end of it all. This year, the game is being hosted at Ayala, which is able to bring even more motivation for the players. 

“Having all our people who support us through all the good and bad gives us that fire to push through weakness,” Meza said. 

It is clear that home field advantage is able to give teams the edge over opponents especially in such an intense rivalry game. The matchup in 2023 between the two was a fierce one, but the end had Ayala winning 42-28, aside from the spectacular performance of the team itself. The crowd must be given their own respect for the atmosphere they are able to create on such a special Friday night. 

However, a part of the game that goes heavily unnoticed and is not talked about enough is the preparation that goes into a game like this. It may seem simple to go out and play your heart out, but that’s only half the battle. 

“Mentally, it’s a big part just making sure we understand our jobs on the field and understand what we have to do in big moments,” Varsity player Maximilian Stine (11) said.

A game like this creates moments and memories that will live on forever because making a once in a lifetime play in a game like this will have your name etched in the school’s history forever. Football players dream to be in a rival game like this, an opportunity that comes to some and not all. But for those who are fortunate enough to be able to play in a rivalry game with such deep meaning, it means everything to these young athletes. 

“I am forever grateful to be able to be a part of this high school’s history playing in one of the biggest games of the year,” Stine said. “Just to be out on that field is a true blessing.” 

Many of these players return for what could be their first or even final battle for the Bone matchup, but this will be their first Battle for the Bone with new Head Coach Terrance Smith. After a rollercoaster of offseason drama with Smith and the head coaching position, he is prepared to give his team the best chance to win. 

“Coach Terrance always goes above and beyond to put us in the best position to win every game,” Varsity player Matthew Alvarado (11) said.