Laura Corral / Roundup
“If I had a daughter who worked at a whorehouse, and I had a son who went to Valley, I’d get my son out first.”
These bold words from head football coach Efrain Martinez are just the cornerstone of any good rivalry.
Pierce College and Valley College have been rivals ever since the schools first opened in the 1940s.
Martinez thinks the origin of this rivalry isn’t really known, but that this rivalry is really just based on the fact the schools are in such close proximity to each other.
It isn’t uncommon for schools in the same city to rival with each other. The rivalry between University of Southern California and University of California, Los Angeles is a local example.
Whatever the reason, harmless banter and an agenda to defeat Valley seems to add a certain amount of pizzazz for the athletes and coaches at Pierce each year.
An important fixture without doubt in this rivalry is the bell, which represents power and victory for the team who possesses it.
The honorable possession of the victory bell is given to the team that wins the game, after which the team keeps the bell until next season when they must play again for possession.
Pierce started off the 2009 season with a bang by defeating Moorpark and with more wins than losses so far, Pierce was prepared to beat Valley.
Due to Pierce’s 50-13 loss to Valley last year, Valley was the owner of the coveted bell.
But that was about to change.
Even with sophomore wide receiver Kenny Davis out for the remainder of the season with an injury, the Brahmas were still optimistic.
Said freshman wide receiver Roodlin Exalus, “Pierce used to lose to Valley, but it’s a whole new Pierce.”
It was assumed the players felt slightly anxious and excited about their fast-approaching game against Valley.
And it was only appropriate.
However, Martinez didn’t entirely agree with that.
“No guys are losing sleep over it right now,” he said. “At least until the week of the game.”
That week finally came.
It was Saturday and Pierce was ready to settle the score against Valley.
By the time 7:30 p.m. came around, fans dressed in Halloween costumes and school colors began filling the stadium seats.
Pierce dominated the first half of the game with a score of 22-10.
Maybe it was the fact that they wanted the bell back, or maybe they were just having a good night. Either way, Pierce was definitely on a roll.
As the game was coming to an end, it was evident who had won—Pierce had defeated its rival.
With a final score of 45-28, Pierce repossessed its beloved bell once again.
At least until next season.
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Pierce players ring the victory bell after their 45-28 victory over rival Valley College on Saturday. The win set up a championship battle with Antelope Valley this weekend at Shepard Stadium. (Aisha Ahal / Roundup)