With September coming to an end, Bulldogs have been buzzing with excitement for the incoming festivities that October has to bring. Sweater weather, pumpkin carving, the peak of Starbucks’s fall menu, the Harvest Festival, Halloween, and one of the most anticipated events, the annual Battle for the Bone football game.
Since the game’s name was coined in 2018, the football team has long held the tradition of beginning their league season against their rivals, the Huskies, from Chino Hills High School. Whichever school wins the Battle for the Bone game is allowed possession of the Bone, the trophy, and bragging rights for the school’s reputation. During last year’s Battle for the Bone game, the Bulldogs won once again, securing the title of “6-peat” which signified their six year streak of wins. “Bone stays home” was boasted for the following weeks by proud Bulldogs who celebrated another year of triumph.
“It was extremely crowded, very hyped up, everyone was excited,” Varsity football player Antonio Chen (10) said. “Although many people did not understand football, they still went to watch and cheer on the team.”
With the success of last year’s and the previous Battle for the Bone games, the football team should have minor difficulties in securing the Bone again. However, many have predicted that their 6-Peat streak will be broken this year.
“Ayala [has] won for six times in a row. I don’t think that streak is going to continue, it’s really unlikely,” Ryder Hsu (10) said.
Many also believe that with previous graduates from the Class of 2024 school year, the current football team is now standing face to face with setbacks and obstacles as they prepare for their upcoming league season.
Yet, they refuse to give in easily to their rivals without a fight. Both coaches and athletes are training and practicing relentlessly in order to prepare a performance that will produce the same, if not better, results than the previous rivalry game.
“Last year was last year. Those seniors have graduated and there are new faces at key positions. When it comes to this game, what you did in the past or previously in the season means nothing,” Head Varsity Football Coach Arthur Gracia said. “I am very proud of our staff and players for making this game part of the culture. We have come a long way.”
Fortunately, the Bulldogs have played in several preseason games, triumphing against teams including Colony and Desert Pines to gain more experiences. Along with their rigorous practice schedules, hopes are rising in the school for a potential 7-peat this year. With this game signifying the start of league, both rival schools will be playing to start their season with a record of 1-0.
“Playing your local rival is always great for the schools involved, players, and community,” Gracia said. “Many of these players have grown up together in elementary, junior high and playing against each other in youth sports.”
This year, the coaches have been emphasizing three major performance goals for their players to focus on as they enter their season: winning Battle for the Bone, competing for a League title, qualifying for CIF playoffs and making a run at a title. These plans, in addition to the building tension as Battle for the Bone draws closer, have drawn out the Bulldogs’ competitive side as they prepare harder than ever.
“We won the bone all three years we’ve been here and I do not want to be the last people to leave it or lose it,” Varsity Captain Jacob Baty (12) said. “We’re going to fight to keep it.”
