Shafter-Wasco battle is back

The long-awaited annual football competition between Wasco High School and Shafter High School has arrived and will take place on Friday, Oct. 28. The heavily contested battle will be a fight for the title of champion.

A week-long celebration of fun on campus will lead up to the game. Starting on Monday, there will be different dress-up days and lunchtime activities, including karaoke.

On Thursday, a community bonfire rally will take place on the WHS football field starting at 7 p.m. It is open to the public for those wanting to show their support for the WHS football players.

"It's a tradition that we've done forever," Activities Director Hailey Coyle said.

On the morning of the 28th, there will be a breakfast for select WHS students in the cafeteria. Students from Shafter High will attend, including their football team, cheerleaders, ASB officers, administration and coaches.

Since WHS is hosting the game this year, they will put on the breakfast.

A rally in the auditorium for the WHS student body will follow, and Shafter students also will attend.

There will be chants, a cheer team performance, a dance routine by mascot Tilly the Tiger and a filmed skit on the big screen.

Once the WHS rally concludes, the students that participated in the breakfast will go to Shafter High for their rally. They will screen their recorded skit as well.

"The exchange rallies are the best part, because Shafter is going to come to our high school, and after that, we go to Shafter, and they do their rally," ASB community representative Johnny Saldana said.

ASB president Ensley Mehlberg said the rally and all the activities create an amazing atmosphere.

"You can feel the energy from all of the students."

After the Shafter rally, WHS students will return and prepare for the big game.

Coyle said that the rivalry between both schools is a long-standing tradition in the community.

"It's something special to take part in, and it's one of the biggest rivalries in California. Students like to take ownership of their school and show their pride for the community."

She added, "It is also something that families get to carry on thru every generation."

Coyle said much planning has gone into making sure the week is exciting for all.

"Our associated student body officers have put in a lot of work to make it fun for students. It's a once-a-year type of event, and the kids look forward to it."

WHS students are optimistic.

"I think the team will do great," Saldana said.

It brings WHS students together.

"Everyone likes the competition, and we always want to win," Mehlberg said.

The festivities bring out the best in WHS showmanship.

"It promises to be a good time for everyone while we share our Tiger spirit," Saldana said.