November 13, 2008

Big Game Night

Leland-Pioneer rivalry makes for exciting Friday night game

Leland High School students celebrate after a big play in the first half. Photos by Joe Proudman

By Joe Proudman
Staff Writer

It’s not too hard to figure out what makes a good rivalry. Two teams that just go at it when they get on the field. It’s the one game on the schedule everyone looks ahead to, remembering the prior year’s match. Sometimes there’s a lot riding on the game, such as a league title or a spot in postseason play. Other times, it’s nothing but pride on the line.

Leland versus Pioneer is one rivalry that is as old as the schools. Year after year the two teams make the short drive to one field or another to face off in the annual contest, which often leaves a bad taste in mouth of one side. No one likes to lose, especially to their rival.

“It’s been going on forever,” said Pioneer head coach Mark Krail. “It’s a good thing. Hopefully we keep it friendly. I have a lot of respect for the Leland staff.”

“The community seems to get excited about this.”

Pioneer Junior Jessica Baron, 17, poses for the crowd during the second half of Pioneer’s win over rival Leland.

Nick White, a senior at Pioneer High School, has been playing football for four years. His brothers played, and last year he shared the field with one of them. This year it was he and his team that walked off the field victorious 17-6, after losing at home last year.

“It’s great. All three of my brothers went here, so it’s exciting being the last one to play,” White said. “It was a good game. We wanted revenge from last year.”

“We had revenge on our mind you could say,” he added. “It was a sweet game.”

It’s these types of games that seem just a little bit sweeter than other victories throughout the season. Even in the stands the tradition of the rivalry is as strong as it is on the field.

The stands were filled this past year at Leland’s stadium. Under the lights, the student section on Leland’s side only sat for half time, with some students in face paint and others in jerseys. On the visiting side, Pioneer brought part of its band, which was made up of students who volunteered even though they would not receive a grade.

“Every time we play Pioneer we all go, whether it’s away or home,” said Leland senior Serena Powery, 17. “I think it’s bigger than homecoming.”

“This game is huge,” said Pioneer senior Tom Bowring.

“I’m totally pumped for it,” said fellow Pioneer senior Cody Graef.

The Pioneer/Leland game brings out students, families and alums to cheer on their football teams. Last year, Leland took home the trophy when the game was played at Pioneer. This year, Pioneer played at Tillman Stadium and got to take the trophy home. Photo by Joe Proudman

Both teams are going to the playoffs this year, so this game would not break either team’s season, but that isn’t to say a lot wasn’t riding on the outcome. Both teams are still fighting for good seeding position and every win counts. A big win going into the playoffs is always a boost for players. Friday night was also Leland’s senior night, in which all seniors play their last game.

Jacob Barnhart is a senior defensive lineman for the Chargers. He gave a rose, signifying the last home high school game of his career, to his “Bubbe,” which is Yiddish for grandma. Jacob was playing in his first Pioneer/Leland game, but was made well aware of its importance throughout the week, according to his dad.

“For the school it’s pretty big. It’s like the Giants and A’s I guess,” said Keith Barnhart, Jacob’s dad. “Coach has been pretty pumped for the game. They want to go into the playoffs with a win.”

This year it was Pioneer who went home smiling. Smiling because they got a win. Smiling because they are on a five-game winning streak heading into the playoffs with one more game to go in the regular season. Smiling because this year they got the better of their rival.

For more about the game itself, click here.