by Lorine Parks
 
“A Hometown Rivalry- remember this, because it is special,” said Dr. John Garcia, Superintendant of the Downey Unified School District.  “I know, because I was there too.”
 
Dr. John emceed our annual Spirit luncheon for the iconic contest between the two cross-town schools, Downey and Warren High, during the week of their big game.  “It’s a matchup with kids who have known each other since kindergarten, and it’s very intense” he said.  And yet the will to win does not overwhelm the spirit of good citizenship.  “It’s a rivalry unparalleled in schools in California.”
 
Roger Brossmer, Assistant Superintendant of Schools, ran the projector showing a film of games over the years.  “The first game was played in 1957,” Dr. John said.  One of the film clips on the highlight reel showed the Downey players dressed in pink in honor of Breast Cancer Research. All the players were outstanding.  This will be the 60th year, Dr. John noted, and although there may be a favorite, history has shown that anything can happen and anyone could win.
 
Downey High Principal Tom Houts talked about the crowds the game generates.  “The capacity at Warren’s Justice Field is 4,000.  We’ll put bleachers in the end zones and somehow 7,000 will be watching the game on Friday night,” he said.  “Gates open at 3 pm, if you want to be sure to get in,” cautioned Warren’s Athletic Director. “It’s an incredible tradition and a spectacular spirit.”
 
Did anyone take advantage of the package offered this year by the newly-formed non-profit Downey Foundation for Educational Opportunities?  Their VIP package included preferred VIP parking, a campus tour showcasing the school's new facilities, dinner, sideline access during the game, access to a halftime lounge on the pool deck featuring coffee and dessert, choice of Downey or Warren zip pullover, and a commemorative lanyard.  Give us a report if you participated.  The preferred VIP parking alone might make it worthwhile.
 
“It gives me tremendous pleasure to host the game this year” said Laura Ruiz, principal of Warren. “The students are focused and committed, not just on the game, but it carries over to making the community better too.”
 
Warren’s Athletic Director told of assembling the entire student body for its traditional march to theDowney campus.  “If you think they can’t be disciplined and controlled, you don’t know thesestudents,” she said. Precisely at 5 pm they assemble and the half mile trek north begins.
 
Downey Head Coach Jack Williams introduced his starting line-up, who had been sharing lunch with Rotarians at the tables, as did Warren coach Raul Lara.  All the varsity players looked terrific in tailored long sleeved shirts and ties.  This is the Homecoming Game for both teams, and will be played this year with Downey as the Visitors at the aptly named Justice Stadium at Warren High School.
                                                                 
“Last year was my first Downey-Warren game” said Warren Coach Lara,   “And when I came out, I could not, I could not believe my eyes.  I could not believe how many people were there.  I told the players to stop and look and admire the scene.  You will never forget this moment, so stop, take a deep breath and look around. Two schools come together regardless of race and color, to enjoy the game, to play the game, and to respect each other.  Let’s go!”
 
Cheer Coach from Downey brought up eight of her senior cheer leaders.   Dressed in crimson v-necked white sweaters and slim white skirts, they called out, “Come on, come on, let’s go!  Tackle high, tackle low, Go Vikings go!”
 
 
They were followed by Warren cheer coach and six of her varsity, with gold pompoms, white sweaters and white short pleated skirts, the pleats flipping open when they kicked to reveal navy and gold insets, as they cheered for the Bears.
 
 
Dr. John took the mike for the closing, to remind everyone that “it is exciting to know this is an event you will remember.  I know,” Dr. John went on,   “because I was there, as a student player, and I remember it like yesterday.  Better than yesterday.  Absorb it.  Everyone in the bleachers too.  After all the hours of preparation, this is special.”