The Badlands stands overflowing with vibrant colors and cheers, as handfuls of chalk are thrown in the air in support of the team. San Juan Hills’ most anticipated game of the year, Battle of the Bell— is the rivalry game against neighboring school, Tesoro.
Although Tesoro and San Juan Hills are in different leagues, the rivalry game is a favored tradition. The tradition of the Battle of the Bell game has been going on for seven years, starting in the 2018-2019 school year. However, it may be the final rivalry game if Tesoro doesn’t agree to continue the tradition.
The SJHHS football team takes pride in defeating their rival, as they do most years, working hard to stay undefeated. However, due to the rivalry, the Tesoro versus San Juan Hills game makes the win a little sweeter.
“They (the players) want to showcase that we’re better,” said Robert Frith, Head coach of the San Juan Hills Football team.
The Battle of the Bell game is one of the most attended games of the entire season. The stands are packed to the brim with students, future stallions, and families showing their support. The stadium is lined with bright posters encouraging the team, and perhaps even trash-talking Tesoro’s team.
The SJHHS campus prepares for the game by pasting brightly colored posters with sayings about the bell or the game. Posters for football games usually contain messages saying things like “Come to the Badlands at 7 pm on Friday” or “Come cheer on the football team,” but during rivalry week the posters are different.
Instead of the posters being centered around getting the students to attend the game it is more about “Trashing the T.” Beating Tesoro and claiming the bell are more the phrases that are plastered around the school.
The Battle of the Bell game does not only increase school spirit and pride within the attendees of the game, but also leaves lasting memories for players, parents, and students. With ‘Bright out’ being the traditional theme, every year students get to dress up in neon colors, showcasing their support for their players. SJHHS also offers a fun way that students can display this, by handing out neon powder that students can throw in the air.
“It’s electric. It’s really fun being able to be loud and cheer and throw chalk in the air,” said Jude Robinson (12).
“I see our players playing and coming together cohesive, like a brotherhood, and their motivation, and their energy, and their enthusiasm,” said Frith.
Of course the game against Tesoro is big and energetic, but coaches and players try their best to stay consistent in playing the game, not letting the rivalry distract them too much.
Coaches encourage the players not to focus too much about the rivalry, but want their players to treat the game as if it were any other game they’ve played during the season. The players try to stay focused on putting their best effort in, and not getting scrappy just to beat Tesoro.
“We didn’t even mention Tesoro during the week. And we just go play football. Focus on ourselves,” said Frith.
Part of what makes the rivalry more intense is the history between players that have grown up together.
“I think it makes it more fun just because you’re seeing your friends out on the field and competing against them…It definitely ups the stakes, makes you put in a little more effort,” said Jake Mullen (12), middle linebacker for SJHHS defensive line.
Getting students to attend the battle of the bell game is not an issue as it can be for other games through the season. The spirit of the rivalry gets students in the stands.
People are programmed to want to win, and beat an “enemy” team. Giving people rivals, something to be better than or beat, is the strongest motivator. Of course everyone wants to win, but the win is sweeter when defeating an enemy.
“I like how people get so involved with how big the crosstown rivalry is, and I love how it’s a big thing for us because everyone knows each other from the other teams,” said Gavin Geiss, SJHHS’s running back (12).
Despite the victory, SJHHS had to forfeit nine wins from the team’s 2025 league record.
“The administration at San Juan Hills High School received information alleging potential CIF violations related to athletic transfers into our football program. Following a preliminary internal investigation, we identified possible violations of CIF Southern Section bylaws,” said Abedzadeh in an email to SJHHS staff.
The forfeiture was made because of transfer eligibility rules being broken, according to sources familiar with the matter, resulting in the reset of SJHHS victories to 1-9 for the season.
“It was kind of just a cheap shot…but yeah, there’s nothing we can do about it,” said Jake Mullen (12).
The deduction was possibly the result of Tesoro doing a little extra digging into the San Juan Hills football team, according to sources. But it was actually self-reported to CIF by SJHHS administration in an effort to do the right thing.
The report was made only three hours prior to the game, so fortunately, it did not stop the Battle of the Bell game, or rivalry, from continuing.
“Prior to this investigation, the SJHHS administration was unaware of any infractions,” said Cina Abedzadeh, the SJHHS principal in an email to staff.
But even after all of this, SJHHS isn’t out. Because of JSerra Catholic High School’s loss to Santa Margarita Catholic High School’s football game last weekend, SJHHS regained eligibility to play in CIF. As our football season is now able to continue, many students, cheerleaders, songleaders, and parents are eager to rake in more wins this season.
“San Juan Hills High School is committed to the highest standards of conduct and will continue to follow all policies and procedures in our pursuit of victory with honor,” said Abedzadeh, in an email to all staff.
When it comes to rivalries, SJHHS knows how to bring the competition. Despite setbacks, the team ‘Rides for the Brand’ and aims high. From crosstown rivalries to school spirit and CIF game chaos, San Juan Hills High School’s football team knows how to keep things interesting. The intense rivalry between the teams increases school spirit across all boards.
