Intensity, ecstasy, and rivalry are three words floating around Sheboygan South’s football matchup this week against Sheboygan North. Our cross-town rivals are looking for vengeance for the last meeting in which we had a healthy victory last year. This week’s battle is taking place the football stadium at Sheboygan South at 7 p.m. There always seems to be heavy anticipation and excitement for the rivalry games in the past, but this year seems to be more focused on the pressure placed on the athletes playing. When Junior Defensive End Logan Hamilton was asked about pressure faced this year due to last year’s quick victory, Hamilton said, “A little more pressure, but if we all do our jobs, we can do as well as we did last year.” South’s football team hasn’t been in its top form this year, with lots of senior key players from last year leaving, and injuries, such as Senior Quarterback Tyler  concussion. When asked about his team, Coach Scott Rice replied,

“Unlike the Packers, we have to graduate players, we have 14 underclassmen and 4 sophomores playing.” He also has stated that the players are working harder than ever in preparing this game mentally and physically. The dance team is also performing, and are facing high expectations due to winning three straight state championships. They are performing a Fall routine for the first time in front of an audience this Friday. One dance team member, Junior Eden Slimmer, explained, “There is some pressure because all of North’s dance team will be watching.” The presence of their dance rival will add pressure to do well for this team. It’s not all about the sports though, the South High student section will be buzzing with ecstatic Redwings on Friday. The theme for the game is a “Red-out” meaning everyone should be wearing red to the game. Senior Alex Griessmeyer explained, “Themes are fun.” and when talking about the atmosphere at the game, he said, “ It’s at another level.”  Indeed the crowd will be roaring and the atmosphere will be crazy, but that’s what makes it more special. The sounds of the pep band, screeching cheers, and the boom of Sim Safford’s voice will echo throughout the confines of the stadium Friday, creating moments of glory, excitement, suspense, and joy. For some players, this is their last North/South game, such as 3-year starting Senior Offensive Tackle Silas Brunn talked about this being his last North/South football game and said, “Out of all the games, I will remember this one the most.” It proves that the excitement surrounding this game is justified, and there is something more moving emotionally when beating North, compared to other teams in our conference. Pressures and expectations aside, Redwing fans wish good luck to the student athletes involved, and we support them in hope of a win Friday, and for the true endeavor for “Grace Under Pressure.” Story & Photo by: Zachary Kaffine