Traverse City Record-Eagle

Crosstown Showdown 2009

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  • Douglas Tesner

    Pre Game

  • Douglas Tesner

    Pre Game
October 23, 2009

Rivals gear up for crosstown showdown

By LINDSAY VANHULLE

TRAVERSE CITY -- The annual rivalry football game between Traverse City's Central and West high schools is an October staple.

But students have been planning their fan sections since the first day of school. Because tonight's rivalry isn't just on the field.

Go ahead. Ask them.

"The goal is to drown them out so everyone hears our cheer," said Aly Zimmerman, 17, a West senior.

"Once you get a chant going, everyone gets into it," said Shelley Felt, 16, a Central senior. "You're still having fun, even though you seem really aggressive."

Oh, the rivalry. The crosstown showdown. Call it what you will, but students know it's the game that trumps all other games in importance, the one that determines which side's the best side -- at least until October comes around again.

West students are selling T-shirts with the slogan "Running this town tonight" displayed on the back. For $1, they can add black eye stickers to their faces.

Central students ordered spirit sticks for fans to wave in the stands, and both sides will paint signs to decorate Running Stadium at Thirlby Field.

Students at both schools said West seems to have more at stake, since the team lost by a touchdown last year and wants to reclaim bragging rights.

Now in its 13th year, West has won nine crosstown games.

West also has the better overall season this year, but would end up with its first losing record if it falls to Central. Even with a win, however, it likely will be the last time this year either team will play at Thirlby Field.

"Neither team is going to the playoffs," said Dustin Tucker, 14, a West freshman. "It'll probably be a bigger game for the seniors."

On game night, the stands are packed and the fans are loud. The bright stadium lights illuminate 14th Street.

Neighbors say the energy is electric.

"I can hear the ref in my kitchen," said Karen Belanger, a trainer at a Garfield Avenue health center who lives on 15th Street. "It's a small town. People like to get out and support their kids."

And the kids always appreciate it.

A packed stadium with little extra room adds to the game's appeal, students from both schools said. Throw in a little winning momentum, and it's even better.

"Usually, West beats us," said Andrew Lathrop, 16, a Central junior. "It'd be cool to have two years in a row."

If you go

Plan for a soggy game night in Traverse City. Temperatures should be in the mid- to upper-40s by kickoff, and a steady rain should fall throughout the day, said Mike Boguth, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Gaylord.

Between a half-inch to an inch of rain is possible, Boguth said.

"The field's probably going to be pretty muddy," he said. "A pretty good soaking rain."

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