Crosstown, the game between both football teams of OH and OE, is coming up soon on Oct. 25. Taking place at the OE football stadium, students will have time to partake in the theme for the game and school spirit together for this exciting rival match-up.
”Everyone is going to be together, there’s a lot more spirit for our school because we’re all chanting together hoping to win against the other school,” said OH sophomore Ava Stellmach.
Orange Crew handles raising the school spirit shown in the student section of the bleachers, making the home games lively and engaging for OH students supporting the football team.
The bigger question among OH students arises with what theme there will be for Crosstown. The theme this year will be “U.S.A.” In the past, this theme has been shown with American flag-styled outfits and red-white-blue color schemes.
“U.S.A. was [originally] supposed to be [the theme] for our homecoming game, But with Sean [Fader] passing we did “Blue-Out” [in remembrance of him], so we decided to move U.S.A. for Crosstown,” said OH Orange Crew Member Katelyn Epstein.
Originally, other themes were possible candidates for this year’s Crosstown.
“We didn’t have one picked out for it yet…We were thinking about doing “Minions,” or “Superheroes,” or something similar. Those were the only competitors, though,” said Epstein.
The OH sophomore football coach Kurt Daehnke gave insight into how things are looking for the team. Regarding any difference between the OH and OE stadiums, Daehnke believes there will not be much.
“I think [for] the players, whether they’re home or away, being so close is not going to make a big difference on the style of play that [they’re] going to have,” said Daehnke.
Besides the stadium being OE’s, another common concern is weather-based, as temperatures begin to drop at this time of the year around the game’s play and weather cannot be perfectly predicted this far from now for Crosstown. Conservative measures are taken in order to avoid unnecessary injuries or risks during plays.
“The cold is usually the biggest factor that we face…[If rain becomes an obstacle] the plays that we would call would be maybe slightly different. We won’t probably pass the ball as much, and we would just take different precautions to make sure our players have good footing and we bring things that the players can clean their shoes on as often as they can,” said Daehnke.
Football players are also looking forward to Crosstown, with several things to look forward to. OH Varsity football player Christian Taylor provided input on his views of the upcoming Crosstown game.
“It’s the last game of the year. I think it’s very fitting that it should be the last game of the year versus a team that you have a lot of history with, you know, them being considered a rival. So I think Crosstown is a very fun time, a very important game,” said Taylor.
For senior football players, this final game may mean sharing one last experience with fellow players.
“[You] definitely want to make it to remember in any way possible, whether it’s making a play or having a moment with your teammates. It’s always important to kind of take it all in being your last Crosstown game,” said Taylor.
School spirit within students rises as well for Crosstown, as students go to games to support the team alongside their friends. Many group together with other students, raising morale for the Football team and for those spectating.
“We just, we start the chants at the games…We bring things like powder and a megaphone, sometimes a speaker. Other than that, it’s pretty easy. Just make sure everybody’s hype and excited,” said Epstein.
Gathering together with others does span out to students seeking to spend time with friends as well. The game provides an environment in which uniting with others becomes more enjoyable.
“I enjoy the social aspect and that you can see a lot of friends there, which is always fun, and people get really into the games and get really excited,” said Stellmach.
The game itself stands out as a game between rival schools. It is important as the rivalry game gives people a chance to unite in school spirit, awaiting one final win to their school’s team.
“Whether it’s played [at OH] or [OE], it’s always a fun game for not only the players but the fans…The crowd, it’s always a nice, loud, excited crowd on both sides. It’s just a really great atmosphere for the game, for the players to play in. And with it being the last game of the season for the freshman and sophomore level, it’s a good way for them to finish,” said Daehnke.
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I am a senior at OHS and a 1st year staff reporter for 42Fifty. I am involved in extracurricular band as Drums in Jazz 1 and pep band. To Contact me email 42Fifty@gmail.com with my name in the subject.
