The recent football game between Marysville-Pilchuck and Marysville Getchell was special — and historic.  For the first time in 37 years we had a crosstown rivalry game here in Marysville.  (Pilchuck High School was combined with Marysville High School in the mid 1970s; the Pilchuck mascot and colors are reclaimed in the Marysville Getchell green and gold “Chargers.”)

This new rivalry, dubbed the “Berry Bowl,” will be commemorated with a travelling football trophy … in a strawberry flat. From the start our goal has been “Two Campuses, One Community.” Whenever we compete we want to bring our community together.

The game on Friday, Sept. 28, our very own version of “Friday Night Lights,” was special. Mayor John Nehring was there to flip a commemorative coin prior to game. The crowd, the students, the teams were great. M-P — the home team this year — held their annual Oktoberfest providing good food and friendship for the huge crowd that came out to participate.

The players and coaches from both teams were focused, gave their best efforts and displayed incredibly good sportsmanship. Players from both teams repeatedly helped each other off the turf with an “Atta boy tap” on the shoulder pad or helmet. No shock there; that is how they are coached.

It all added up to a great evening. Nearly 5,000 spectators in Quil Ceda Stadium enjoyed the spot-on marching band and the combined cheer squads.  The cheer staff from both schools performed a cheer together, setting a positive tone for the evening. The student bodies were positive throughout the game without a single boo.

This was Marysville Getchell’s year to be the “visitors.” MG students sat in the visitor bleachers. MG adults sat mostly on the visitor side, but many were mixed in with the M-P crowd, smiling, laughing, and cheering. It was truly a festive and positive atmosphere.

After the game the players high-fived and gave each other hugs as they met in the middle of the field. The crowd stuck around for the longest time socializing and enjoying a wonderful night under the moonlit skies of Marysville. Marysville, a city committed to building a healthy community and good schools, has a list of great opportunities and events to offer its citizens. You can add the newly named “Berry Bowl” to that list. Kudos to those that attended the game, you were great.

Sincerely,

Greg Erickson, Athletic Director

Marysville School District