The Rivalry Returns

Chelsea Mendoza, Staff Writer / Photographer
November 10, 2015

Bringing the crowd to their feet at Warren High School’s bleachers, were Downey High School students who came together on Oct. 23, to cheer on their fellow Viking varsity football players, with the hopes of continuing their five year win.

Daevon Vilgilant, senior, anxiously prepared his team for the traditional rivalry game in hopes of winning for the sixth time against Warren.

“Putting in their heads that this might be the biggest game of the year and the whole community will be there,” Vilgilant said. “Was the most exciting part of the game it is being able to go to battle with my team and, if Warren was to win, it would be hard to take in.”

When it comes to the Downey vs. Warren football game, it allows Vikings to come out of their shell and to express their personalities freely because they get to cheer for their school. While getting loud and crazy at the football games, the experience is made better.

Two-year ASB member, senior, Kenneth Miranda, has contributed to the growth of the Viking Pride.

“I feel I bring the awkwardness down to almost zero, because the students need someone to lead the chants and I’ve taken that role of leading my fellow Vikings,” Miranda said. “I feel like it pumps up the players because they know that Viking Nation is beside them the whole time cheering them on win or lose.”

Warren’s stadium filled seats with prideful Bears and Vikings, and the spirit and excitement quickly spread through the bleachers. When the pregame warm ups were done, the players positioned on their spots to begin. When the timer was set and the game began, the loud crowd went crazy with cheers from Viking Nation; confetti was thrown, silly string was on faces and pink powder was thrown in the air.

Once rooting for the enemy, a Warren transfer student, junior, Arial Pacheco loves being a Viking.

“Even though I was in Warren High School for two years,’ “I root for Downey because I really blend in well and consider myself a Viking” Pacheco said, “I was so disappointed when Downey lost, because it is my first year here and I would have like to prove Warren wrong.”

The overwhelming screams and cheers of the game settled down when the score board was six for the visitors and 21 for the home team. Vikings still holding strong, in hopes of winning the game. With a five year streak on the line, the pressure was heavy for both football players and Vikings. The atmosphere was depressing when Warren player Leonardo Artz kicked the ball for the win. Even though Downey lost 6 – 23, Vikings pride remains strong.

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About the Contributors

Chelsea Mendoza, Staff Writer / Photographer

The thirst for knowledge was never quite quenched for, junior, Chelsea Mendoza. and a poet in 8^th grade was where her passion for literature began. Not only does Mendoza want to expand her knowledge, but she wishes to use her aptitude in writing to get people to know her.

“I love mystery and suspense,” Mendoza said, “anything I have to read twice.”

To indulge her passion for mystery and suspense, Mendoza wrote her own horror story imbued with enigmas and apprehensions, one morning in the Downey High School library.

“Chelsea’s story is very well descriptive, and has good imagery”, her friend Beatrice Pena said.

Mendoza’s passion for books, although originating from Stephen King, has been provoked by other books such as the Hunger Games, the Fault in Our Stars, Paper Towns, Me and Earl, and Mr. Mercedes. She does not like to know the ending of a story, but instead she loves the twists.

“A book is like a portable T.V., but travel size,” Mendoza said. “ I can read about stories that would otherwise be impossible in real life.”

Other than books leaving an impressionable mark on Mendoza, there is more to her love of reading. She is able to relate the mystery, and sometimes traumatizing events, that take place in her stories. She claims that the relationship that she shares with her mom is relatable to that of her stories.

“If I don’t want to listen to my mom yap all day, I can open up a book and dive into that world,” Mendoza said.

Mendoza wishes to use her passion for literature in a career some day. She either wants to be a writer for Teen Vogue or even a journalist for some other publication. She also considers being an author, writing the very books that she loves to read.

Bruno Braka, Staff Photographer

A day at school for junior, Bruno Braka, is not like every other student’s day, as he is involved in both Yearbook and Newspaper that fill three periods within his schedule. Not only is he involved with journalism, he also finds time to play lacrosse and help out at his parents’ restaurant.

“I never pictured myself being this involved all I was into was lacrosse,” Braka said. “But it all changed junior year when I decided to get involved with yearbook and newspaper, and although the year is just starting out I can already see myself being a lot more busy. The great thing about it is that I’m learning to manage my time wisely.”

Aside from his wide involvement with extra-curricular activities, Braka takes his school work very seriously. Throughout his high school career, he has managed to keep his GPA above a 4.0, taking not only regular college prep classes, but challenging himself with rigorous AP and honors courses.

Leonard Braka, Bruno’s father and owner of Ricci’s Italian Restaurant, has supported him through his busy schedule.

“It’s like I see Bruno grow more and more each day,” Braka said. “He manages to help me and his mother around the restaurant and still keeps his grades up. I’m surprised he finds the time to do all that he does.”

Braka has established many connections with a variety of people throughout his three years in high school. Dale Schlegel, one of the lacrosse coaches at Downey High School, had coached Braka throughout his freshman and sophomore years at Downey.

“Bruno was a great kid to have on the team,” Schlegel said,” the team rallied around him. He’s a real team player.”

Braka wants to make a difference within his school through his participation in school. He has immersed himself within journalism because he wants to capture moments that make others proud of their school. He also wants to serve as an example to others, by getting involved within his parent’s business, sports, and journalism. He hopes other will find, that truly, anything is possible.

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The Rivalry Returns

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