By Jacob Wilson

Garden Grove Journal

There’s nothing like a rivalry game.

It’s even better when the championship is on the line.

Two seasons ago Pacifica faced Cypress in the Southern Division championship. Tonight the two teams, who really are the fiercest of rivals, will play for the Empire League championship.

And it might not even be the only time this season. Another postseason matchup remains a distinct possibility.

Senior running back Luther Tolbert said it best. “It’s league. The game means league.”

But to so many, it means so much more. Winning league is great. Winning league by beating Cypress would be monumental.

“It’s obviously a huge game and we’re very excited to play it,” senior wide receiver Clay Leonard said. “We got what we wanted, going 3-0, and now this game means something.”

Even first-year head coach Marcello Giuliano knows how big the Cypress game is.

“It was made clear to me the day I got the job.”

Giuliano knows rivalries. He played and coached at Irvine High, who has its own rival in Woodbridge.

He also coached at Mater Dei, whose rivalry with Servite is one of the biggest in the county.

“Everyone’s got one (a rivalry) and this is ours. I know how important this is.”

But he also understands that sometimes you just need to treat a game like a game.

“Being the new guy I kind of have an advantage where to me it’s just another game,” he said.

“I’m not as caught up in it so hopefully it will keep at least one person on this campus sane.”

A rivalry is only as good as the teams involved. This year two great teams will battle tonight. Just ask Tolbert:

“We’re going to be ready. They will be too. That’s why it’s going to be a good game.”