Bring on the tailgating, cookouts, face-painting, crowd cheering, pep rallies, halftime showdowns, hometown pride and mudslinging battles in the trenches. High school football is back and the 2012 Great American Rivalry Series presented by the U.S. Marine Corps travels to Orange County to cover the action.
On Friday, Oct. 26, longtime rivals Fountain Valley Barons and the Edison Chargers will take the field for week 10 of the 2012 Great American Rivalry Series. Upwards of 10,000 fans are expected to pack the stands of Orange Coast College Stadium to witness California rivalry football at its best.
The Fountain Valley-Edison game is one of 72 must-see matchups selected for the Marine-sponsored 2012 Rivalry Series. The teams play each year in a game known as The Battle for the Bell. Edison defeated the Barons 14-10 last season and has extended its winning streak to seven straight games in the series, which dates back to 1969. The Chargers lead the all-time series 29-14-1.
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GreatAmericanRivalry.com provides fans with all the coverage they need for their favorite rivalry games, past and present. A preview of each game is posted every week with details about each team and the history of that rivalry game. After the game, fans can look through photo galleries as well as view a recap of the game.
The winning team not only earns bragging rights but also the coveted Great American Rivalry Series Champion trophy, presented on field by a United States Marine. The game’s Most Valuable Player is also named by media in attendance, and the Series awards the top student-athlete from each school a college scholarship.
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For many seniors, this may be the last big game of their high school athletic careers and the climax of their “Glory Days.” But for two alumni the spotlight will shine again as they are inducted into the Great American Rivalry Series Hall of Fame during a halftime ceremony, honoring their past performance in this classic rivalry.
Student and fans are also encouraged to compete on behalf of their school by taking the Rivalry Series United States Marine Corps Chin-up Challenge. The school completing the most chin-ups will be awarded the Chin-up Challenge trophy, presented by the Marines during the game.
“We are excited to partner once again with the Great American Rivalry Series,” said Leroy Pennington, Marketing Specialist AC/S Recruiting United States Marine Corps Eastern Recruiting Region, Parris Island, SC. “The elite status of this Series fits perfectly with the Elite Warrior brand of the Marine Corps and we are proud to stand alongside these outstanding young athletes.”
The Great American Rivalry Series emerged from a desire to celebrate the cultural phenomenon of Friday night high school football. The Series shines the spotlight on classic gridiron clashes where expectations are sky high and die-hard fans abound.
