On October 14th Mesa Verde High School will once again play San Juan High School for football supremacy of Citrus Heights. Though each school has had a tough time finding wins lately, all prior football history goes out the window when these two schools get together.

Years ago a football trophy was awarded to the winner of the annual contest by the Citrus Heights Rotary Club. As league affiliations changed and the schools were placed in different divisions, and some years they didn’t play each other, the rivalry lost some interest. Now, each school is gearing up for the big game on October 14th with a renewed enthusiasm for re-establishing the “Citrus Heights Bowl”.

The coaching staffs of each school can’t wait for this game to happen. Coaches John Hilton of Mesa Verde and Greg Roeszler of San Juan are in agreement on the significance of this game. The schools have a rivalry yet they represent the same city. Coach Hilton emphasizes “the character of the team and of the players. It’s all about them. We want to win this game but we also want to demonstrate respect and friendship for our rival. It is definitely a teachable moment.”

“Coach Roz” reiterates Coach Hilton’s comments. “We even have a community service project planned in which players from both schools will participate”. He is also proud that no player on his team has any academic deficiencies.

The principals of each school, Vanessa Adolphson of San Juan and Colin Bross at Mesa Verde, have made a “friendly wager”. The losing principal must wear the winning schools t-shirt Monday after the game. Principal Adolphson was very confident her school will prevail. “We are going to beat them and take the Citrus Heights trophy”.

Student organizations at each school are being encouraged to help promote the “big game”. The Citrus Heights Rotary club has agreed to match snack bar receipts up to a certain amount to be split by both schools. City representatives are being encouraged to attend. The restored trophy will be awarded to the winner of the contest by Mark Cimino, president of the Rotary Club, following the game.

All alumni, booster club members, students and parents of both schools are being asked to attend the game. How long has it been since you attended a high school football game where all the kids are playing with all their heart? It’s a great night for family entertainment at a very reasonable cost for the best seats in the house. Game night – October 14, McArthur Field, corner of Mariposa and Greenback, in Citrus Heights.