At Casa Grande High School, traditions play a large role in building school spirit. One of the biggest traditions at Casa is the Eggbowl, a varsity football game between Petaluma High School and Casa Grande. This year’s game could have gone either way, with Casa Grande holding a 6-1 record compared to Petaluma’s record of 5-2. Before getting into this year’s Eggbowl though, a brief recap of last season is necessary.
Last year, Casa Grande went into the Egg Bowl with a record of 4-4, compared to Petaluma’s record of 7-1. Spectators were decked out in green & gold—the theme for the event—in contrast to Petaluma’s trademarked purple-and-white. As the game started, it was looking great for the Gauchos. By halftime, the score was 21-14, with Petaluma falling behind by a touchdown and a PAT kick. When the game started back up again, and as the clock for the 3rd quarter slowly ticked down, the score was tied, 21-21. Another quarter passed as fans were all waiting to see the final score. With less than 10 minutes left of the game, Petaluma scored a touchdown, as well as completed their 1-yard rush. But, as the clock hit 2 minutes, Casa had scored the final touchdown, as well as a 2-point conversion play, ending with a score of 29-28 for the Gauchos in last year’s Eggbowl.
This year’s game theme has been set on ‘White-Out’. Though many opted for the usual Green & Gold of Casa Grande, fans knew they could crush any theme given to them. And with the team ready to show off their white uniforms, everyone was ready. The Gauchos pulled up to Petaluma High clad in white outfits, getting ready to cheer their hearts out across from the purpled-out Trojans. Waving their signs and their team’s flag, both bleachers were ready for an exciting rivalry game, and the players on the field were ready to give them one.
The game started with a Petaluma field goal, bringing the score to 0-3. With 3 minutes left of the first quarter, Zach Herrera (#13) scored the first touchdown for Casa. During the second quarter, nobody scored, the ball going back and forth. By halftime, the score was sitting at 6-3. Isaac Escobar, a Freshman on the side, put in his word about the game: “It’s good. I think we’ll end up with 30-10.” The cheerleaders on both teams delivered a great halftime performance, and the second half started. Nothing much happened within the first few minutes, but with 5:27 left on the clock, Cade Rae, Casa’s #3, scored a second touchdown, with Gavin Pandolfi (#7) securing a 2-point conversion right after. Nick Coleman, a Freshman standing near the scoreboard, had some input on the game: “I like it, although it’s hard to see from where I’m standing.” Clint Rae (#18) scored another touchdown with 2 minutes left before the fourth quarter, bringing the score to 20-3. And, during the last 3 minutes, Marco Novoa (#9) scored the final touchdown and 2-point conversion of the game.
With a great game from both teams, the score was finalized as 28-3 with a win for the Gauchos. Haddley Bushey, watching from the bleachers, said “The game was very enjoyable, and the student section was very spirited.” Leaving with smiling faces, the Gaucho’s went home and celebrated, keeping in their minds they still had one more game left against Sonoma Valley before the end of the season. The win this season will not be not be forgotten, having been the last Eggbowl game for the seniors. Senior Jacob Quintua mentioned “It was a shame we couldn’t rush the field.” The football team can’t wait to play again next year, but until then, the team and their fans celebrated with a much-deserved after party back at their home field, ending the night with even more fun.
