The CHIEF October 2019

Rivalry Game By: Callie Dalton

A year at PTHS just wouldn’t be complete without the famous-perhaps now infamous- rivalry game against Prairie Central High School. No one can help but crack a smile watching our home team score a rousting touchdown against the rival Hawks. However, to cut to the chase, the 2019 rivalry game was a loss for Pontiac; but to only describe the game as a loss would be selling the spirit of the night quite short. As one might know, not all stories end happily ever after, but be that as it may, is it not the building of character and self realization along the way that makes up a decent tale? It is said that Shakespeare's tragedies provide the most insight.   To begin, the night kicked off with the traditional color song, awakening the inner warrior within our fans, young and old alike.  Adorned in camouflage, the Pontiac student section was an army not to be trifled with, rearing out-stretched palms and roaring battle cry. Pontiac fans stood together proclaiming confidence and unity like no other. However, despite the bombastic encouragement, the Indians fell behind in the first and second quarters. Murmurings of post-game plans began spreading as a plateau of excitement seemed to fall over the crowd.  The ever-present fear of defeat started looking more and more like a reality. Nonetheless, hopelessness in this case seemed to result in audacious positivity and a surge of sportsmanship. The loss became inevitable and the streak of wins in years past was lost, but something far more important was gained that night. A stunningly optimistic attitude was displayed, despite the crushing defeat. It is no accomplishment for a winner to maintain favorability, but it is the attitude of a loser that reveals true character. Yes, the 2019 rivalry game was a loss, and yet, Pontiac still reigns victorious in character and mentality.