FREDDY GONZALEZ | Staff Writer
Santa Rosa head coach Hector Ayala didn’t have to say much to his team at the start of practice week on Monday. With the annual rivalry circled on every calendar in town every player, coach and fan in both cities know what is at stake when both teams meet tonight in the Battle of 506.
“We are definitely dialed in,” said Ayala. “I came out here (practice field) on Monday and said ‘do I have to say anything’ and everybody was just ‘lets go, let’s get practice started.’ They know what it means and what it means for the community. It’s been several years now since the Warriors have beaten the Lions so hopefully this year we can bring that joy back to Santa Rosa.”
And it’s been a while since Santa Rosa has felt that joy Coach Ayala spoke of. To be exact, many lifelong Warriors fans will remember the day September 21, 2012, that was the last time Santa Rosa beat the La Feria Lions. Before that, fans would have to go back to 1992.
“Right now it is everything, it’s the best non-district game around,” said Warriors senior Robert Bentley. “If we could make it a district game it would make it even better, but that’s how good of a game it is. It’s been a rivalry game forever and hopefully we can take it this year. Right now our mentality is that the streak is over and it’s coming back to us this year.
“Growing up I was at every Friday night game and there has always been some head butting but the atmosphere has always been awesome.”
Six miles South on FM506, the meaning of the game has not changed a bit.
“This game is monumental for both communities because of the pride for each respective school,” said La Feria senior Jacob Garza. “The proximity of the two cities means that there are a lot of families and friends on both teams, and this means that you get the chance to joke around with them before and after the game.”
While the game has stood the test of time, Coach Ayala recognizes that the contest is not as hostile as it once was.
“It’s a rivalry game plain and simple,” said Ayala. “I know it’s changed a little bit now over the years, because I have some coaches that played in the Battle of 506 and when they talk about the 506 game they would say there was some bad blood between the teams but now it’s a little different because there is family on both sides.
“It’s still a rivalry, because both teams want to win and they want the bragging rights. We came close two years ago, and last year we were pretty banged up going into the game, but we’re healthy and we’re going to give it our best shot. We always go into every game with the attitude that we’re showing up to win, this one is no different.”