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Post by Tigertail on Dec 12, 2007 12:25:43 GMT -6
In LA HS soccer, what is the absolute best rivalry game?
Don't just name it, make your case for why the game is so good. I'm talking about games where the records don't matter, the games are always intense/close, and the fans bring a whole new dimension to the equation.
Since not everyone will get a chance to experience these games, put it out there, what makes 'em so special?
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Post by Tigertail on Dec 12, 2007 12:54:14 GMT -6
I'll start.
Destrehan/Hahnville
Drama, comedy, intensity, and soccer all rolled up into one heck of a game.
The fan support is just crazy when these two St. Charles Parish rivals knock heads. Every call is contested, every shot (close or shanked) causes a Earth-shattering reaction, the parents all know each other, and they all want their kids to beat each other's. Students who were previously unaware that the schools have soccer teams come out in droves to cheer on their schools.
The games are typically 1-2 goal decisions year in and year out. Most of the players share rec/travel teams year round, so the rivalry and desire to win is always at the heart of the game. The competitors know each other's strengths/weaknesses, how the game will flow, why they are the better team, etc. Every 50/50 ball is sacred, every foul is well-deserved, and every goal brings the hundreds (like 200 tops, of course) of fans to a fever pitch!
Anyone can feel the electricity in the air during the games, every second matters, and after the games the girls hug and congratulate each other, no matter the outcome. It's one heck of an atmosphere!
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Post by know1important on Dec 13, 2007 10:18:56 GMT -6
I'll throw Mandeville/ Fountainebleau into the ring: Last year the teams split games. This year the first one went into overtime to decide a winner. I'm sure there are many cross-town rivalries across the state, but not many of them are two teams that are Top 10 throughout the year and go deep into the play-offs every year. Including a state championship game a few years back against each other. Both schools have won state championships and are always comprised of quality players.
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Post by hitman on Dec 16, 2007 9:53:28 GMT -6
st louis vs newman
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Post by wyandotte on Dec 16, 2007 11:25:03 GMT -6
A rivalry that began with being in the same district and battling for the top slot has been between Menard and Opelousas Catholic. That district rivalry has been taken away due to the LHSAA change in the districts. However, the challenge of the opponent has a way of lingering. The two will match up in Alexandria, Friday night Dec 21. Should be a good night of soccer.
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Post by ncs615 on Dec 16, 2007 18:54:04 GMT -6
northlake christian/pope john paul
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Post by goalgoalgoal02 on Dec 16, 2007 21:06:42 GMT -6
fontainebleau/mandeville, or fontainebleau/ssa
most of these girls play on the same premier teams at Mandeville Soccer Club, and the rivalry between fhs and ssa has been fierce even before they shared a district.
definitely the toughest district in Div. I
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Post by diverdo on Dec 16, 2007 22:43:58 GMT -6
goalgoalgoal02 and know1important have it right because of the years of premier play that players on mandeville/Fontainebleau/SSA share - every game between these teams, particularly the long-standing district rivalry between Mandy and Fontainebleau, is high quality soccer and 100% effort from the first whistle.
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Post by fmrsaint on Dec 21, 2007 22:49:56 GMT -6
St. Louis vs. Newman I say this not only because I played in all the games between these two teams but also when you think about it anytime a team successfully ends a teams season 3 years in a row a rivalry is garunteed to form. It seems as if St. Louis path to the final always meets Newman and the past couple years they have been close games, two years ago ending 3-2 and last year the game bieng pushed into overtime before Newman was able to score. This was also the year when it seemed like no one was able to stop the saints as they were demolishing teams throughout the season and the playoffs. While this may be one-sided it seems as if Newman took pride in beating us on our on field after we gave them so much drama about their field, even though I still claim that that is the worst field in the state. This rivalry is sure to continue as I can only expect these two teams will meet again in the playoffs this year.
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Post by Rayne on Dec 22, 2007 8:28:40 GMT -6
Caddo Magnet/Byrd
Hands down. These two teams are the strongest in North LA and in the same city. The girls play on the same club teams in the fall and then split to play high school. The games are always close and very rough. It bounces back and forth each year who wins. 3 years ago Byrd won. 2 years Magnet won. Last year Byrd won. It is never a consistent win. This game brings the most fans too. They bring noise makers, balloons, silly string, signs, face paint... they go all out. The fans from each side yell cheers for their team and cheers against the other team and bad calls from the ref. Even after the game is over, things are still heated, but it cools down...but not very much. Each team tries to support the other North LA team when it comes to playing South LA teams, but the rivalry is so drilled into our hearts that it's hard to. Both teams think about this game all season...
There is nothing like it. It is an experience....
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