The Rivalry between El Camino and South San Francisco High School

Can’t we all just be friends?

By Katrina Nolasco

Anyone who has ever spent any time at El Camino or South San Francisco High School is aware of the rivalry that has been going on for as long as the schools have both existed. It seems these two high schools can’t stand it if the other one’s better at something. Whether its sports or academics, neither school will let the other one be on top. And, if for some reason, one school does beat the other, fights break out. Friends suddenly turn into enemies. It’s basically chaos. But, what’s the real reason they’re fighting? Does anyone even know anymore?

A lot of these students just do it because they feel they have to. It doesn’t matter to anyone that they might have friends at the other school. As long as they go to the other school, they are the enemy.

Let’s assume that this all started because of sports. Athletes are one of the most competitive groups of students at high schools. They may seem friendly during class, but once they get on that field, court, even pool, there’s no mercy. Their one goal is to crush the other team. So, you can assume that El Camino athletes always have South City in their sights. It’s almost like these athletes’ minds are only programmed to beat South City. No other team matters.

The Bell Game is the biggest and most famous football game in South City. We have fans, rooters, haters, the Scream Team, angry students, annoyed teachers, and we even have security. Once students enter the field, something comes over them. Their excitement can turn into hate and playful enthusiasm into negativity and anger. This leads to fights, break-ups, and distrust. Sometimes, even the parents get into it. One little insult about the other team and you’ll be lucky not to get knocked off the bleachers. Years ago, anger led a few students to actually blow up the scoreboard. That’s how much they cared about winning. They weren’t mature enough to realize that it’s just a game!

You’d think that after all these years people would eventually get tired of all this fighting and just stop. The only possible reason as to why people can’t get over it is because of pride. No matter how much these students deny it, they’re proud of their schools and might just do anything to defend it.

Winning isn’t everything and every team loses sometimes. So maybe they should just accept it and move on. It’s the best solution for everyone. It’ll save everyone a whole lot of trouble. So, just put the whole rivalry aside. Just maybe, everyone will come out on top.