While the Downey vs. Warren Football game is happening, Dr. Cari White and Mr. Houts attend, waiting in anticipation as Football players play at Warren High School Stadium, on October 25, 2024 (Friday) at 7:00 p.m. Both schools have been preparing and acknowledging to share not just between Warren and Downey High, but to the community. This year, Warren High School took responsibility for preparing. Principal of Warren High, Dr. Cari White, expresses how the preparations were being held for the Downey vs. Warren Game. “It takes a lot to prepare for the game in order to make sure it is the best possible community event for 7000-8000 people”. Dr. Cari White states, “It can be stressful, but because it is an event that so many staff and students from both schools help put on, I am always so proud of everyone involved”. The Principal of Downey High, Mr. Houts, reveals his expectations during the Downey vs. Warren Game and how both schools have been preparing for it. “It will be pact early, the unique thing they’re gonna try to get is the Dodger game going on the scoreboard this year, which will be kinda cool, so it will be both people rooting for the same team.” Mr. Houts states, “It will be packed, it’s gonna be early, it’s gonna have a whole lot of emotions”. I think it’s gonna be a really good game, we’ve been preparing for weeks, we have to do situation plans and emergency procedures and to work with the police, to close down the streets. The games at Warren this year so obviously they’re doing 99% of it. But It’s a whole lot of work”. Both principals share their experience working at their schools with some background. “I started as a science teacher at Warren High School in 1989, and I taught there for 4 years and I also coached football there. So I was the head JV football coach for 2 years and then I was a defense coordinator on varsity for 2 years.” Mr. Houts states, “1993 I became vice principal at Downey and 2001 I came back to Warren and then in 2005 I became principal here at Downey. So I have a unique perspective cause I’ve spent almost 9 years at Warren. With Mr. Houts having a unique perspective, both schools are kept in mind. “I have a unique perspective on the way Warren sees the rivalry as well”. Mr. Houts continues, “I think it’s one of the better rivalries in Southern California, Downey and Warren are really unique because we have 2 of the largest high schools in Southern California a mile apart, they are in the same city.” “You have Warren who’s kind of UCLA color, they’re the Bears, where kinda the SC colors, we (Downey High) are the Vikings.” As for Dr. Cari White, being principal at Warren High is an enjoyable role. “I really enjoy being principal at Warren because I get to experience students exploring their talents and flourishing. At a big event like Friday’s football game, it isn’t just the football players who get to shine. It is Cheer, Dance, JROTC, Band, and Color Guard performing. It is our Sports Med students ensuring our athletes are healthy and safe.” Dr. Cari White continues, “It is ASB planning and executing all throughout the day. It is Link Crew bringing up our 8th-grade Future Bears so they get a glimpse of our school spirit. CTE students build props and handle all of the audiovisual components. It truly is a schoolwide event and a day I get to really see so many of our students in action.” Football players, crowds, groups, dance teams, bands, photographers, cheer, color guards, JROTC, and more joined Friday’s night football game to shine, entertain, and show school spirit. Around 6:47 p.m. the Downey band performs, Sports Med takes their places and is ready to help their athletes. With 3 minutes and 47 seconds left, tension and anticipation await among the whole crowd, football players, and football coaches. As time runs out, Downey’s side celebrates for Downey’s Football team beating Warren’s Football team, scoring 7 – 27.
