Vista students were ecstatic for the annual rival football game against ThunderRidge High School (TRHS) on Sept. 28. Although Vista has struggled to beat their opponent over the years, the fiery rivalry continued to unite students. Freshmen, sophomores, juniors, and seniors alike eagerly waited in line to buy their tickets and get into the game.

Temperatures reached uncomfortable lows, students cuddled up in blankets with hot chocolate from the concessions stand to cheer on the Golden Eagles. Student section leaders hoisted “Let’s Get Weird” signs in the air as players rushed onto the field, ready to fight the Grizzlies.

With 8:27 left in the first quarter, TRHS scored the first touchdown of the game. Vista trailed on, determined to give their best shot. Junior Ethan Love scored the first points for Vista, nailing a field goal with 0:49 to go in the second quarter, setting the score to 28-3.

In the last seven minutes of the game, junior Elliot Farmer intercepted TRHS’s ball and sprinted to score the first touchdown of the game for Vista. Students roared with excitement for their team, despite being nearly frozen to their seats.

Vista fell to the Grizzlies, 49-10. Despite the defeat, the Golden Eagles marched on to shake hands with pride, finishing off the night with a singing of Vista’s Fight Song with the student body.

Photos by: Greyson Koinzan, Dillon Bateski, Michael Place, Madison Hirsch, Mandira Gowda, Cami Fowler, Soren Brockway, Brendan O’Keeffe, and Ben Yoshida.