Generals vs. Tigers: The rivalry continues

For the 89th time, the Shafter Generals and Wasco Tigers will face off on the gridiron, competing for bragging rights for the next year, continuing the longest rivalry in the county, if not the state.

For what is known simply as "Wasco Week," the students at Shafter High will be participating in games during lunch, Dress Up Days throughout the week and other activities.

The festive week concludes on Friday, beginning with the annual Exchange Breakfast, which this year is being hosted by Shafter High. The breakfast has the football players, Associated Student Body officers and cheerleaders for each school gathering for a breakfast before heading to the Shafter High gymnasium for the Exchange Rally, which includes cheers, chants, games and performances by both schools' cheerleading squads, and the introduction of the football teams. There are videos produced by each school, shown at both schools.

After the rally, the entire entourage travels to Wasco High School for the second half of the Exchange Rally. It is now the Tigers' turn to host the Generals in their crowded, boisterous and very loud auditorium.

Wasco's theme for the week is "Wasco is out of this World," including dress up days all week that go with the space theme. On Thursday night, the school will host the Burn the General community rally at the football field.

"The ASB officers and student leaders have been preparing for this week since this summer and are eager and excited to participate," said Activities Director Hailey Coyle said.

"It is always a great day to be a Tiger, especially during Wasco-Shafter week. Rivalry week is a special time of year. Being able to be a part of this tradition is a true honor. There is nothing like this rivalry. I am so proud to be a Tiger and to witness our student's hard work come to life. From our student leaders and scholars to our student athletes, everyone comes together to show our Tiger Pride!"

The week ends with the battle on the field. This year, the game will have even more meaning, with both teams in the hunt for the SSL championship. Wasco High has only one loss in the South Sequoia League, with Shafter coming in undefeated for the entire season at 10-0. If Shafter wins the game, they are the SSL champs outright. If Wasco wins, the title will be shared by Shafter, Wasco and Kennedy (of Delano) high schools.

Shafter Athletic Director/Activities Director Brian Feaster weighed in on the big event, saying it is the biggest week of the year for both towns.

"There is nothing like the rivalry in Kern County, or any place around us. I love how the communities get involved and support both schools and show their school spirit. My favorite part of the rivalry is how the kids are focused on the big night all week, banter back and forth, play the game with all they got, and come Saturday go to the same parties and celebrate the same occasions together. It's a rivalry for sure, but we have become a blended family over time."