Serving the community since 1922
Serving the community since 1922
Shafter-Wasco rivalry again heats up
Virginia Bender, 96, is a living example of the adage "Once a General, always a General."
Future Shafter cheerleaders performed at the rally.
Future Shafter cheerleaders performed at the rally.
Devon Sundgren shakes hands with the Tigers' Austin Dobbs.
Each year during Shafter-Wasco Week, the two high school campuses light up with a flurry of activities culminating in the annual battle on the gridiron.
This year, Shafter High held dress-up days throughout the week, including Queen Day. Students were encouraged to dress up like a Wasco Rose Queen, with an outlandish amount of makeup and glittery garb. At lunchtime, there were games and activities.
Wednesday night saw the old gym packed with students and community members for the Shafter General Community Rally. Chants, cheers and games were on the agenda, as was a performance by the Shafter High Generals cheerleaders. At the end of the rally, Coach Jerald Pierucci spoke about the rivalry between the two schools and the special place the game has in every General's heart - no matter how long ago he or she attended.
Pierucci told the crowd that the team had been watching the [BEGIN ITAL]Rocky[END ITAL] anthology, soaking in the message of taking on your opponent - no matter the odds. With the Tigers' mascot on display, the coach declared that they were out to destroy the opponent in front of them. To the delight of the crowd, the team proceeded to dismember the tiger.
The week came to an end on Friday with the traditional breakfast and exchange rallies. Shafter hosted the Wasco football players, cheerleaders and Asscoiated Student Body students. After breakfast, the action was moved to the Shafter gym, where the first rally took place. Each cheerleading squad performed, along with the Shafter General mascot and a special performance by the Shafter High staff.
Next, the customary video was shown, this year with a [BEGIN ITAL]Star Wars[END ITAL] theme and very high production values. Traditional football team introductions were given as the players met at midcourt, shaking hands until the entire team was named.
After the rally, the Shafter contingent of players, coaches, cheerleaders and ASB students traveled to Wasco for the next rally.
The week's events ended in a great game on Friday night, with both teams playing at a high level. The Generals took control of the game in the second half and ultimately came out on top, 28-21, earning bragging rights until rivalry year #94.
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