When push comes to shove, at the conclusion of a sporting event someone is crowned a victor. No matter how hard a team works or how much heart they exert on the field someone goes home with regret and, most importantly, a loss. This is often the case with rivalry games as they are viewed by fans and players alike as ‘must-wins’. It ups the stakes even more when others on the opposing team are known and the team knows little details about the strategies of their competitor. Tendencies, specific plays and plans of attack all go out the window when playing a rival.

Varsity baseball player Patrick Day experienced many rivalry games in his two years on the varsity squad.

“Lakes and Antioch are just like the cross town rivals,” Day said. “I know every guy on that team, and who doesn’t like a little friendly competition? Grayslake Central beat us in the regional championship last year, so for me they are a new rival. I love playing conference teams, it gets the blood pumping and allows us to fight for being the best local team.”

Playing your rival means that the game is likely going to be more intense than other games, but doesn’t always require a team to play out of their style and gameplan. Sometimes going into a game overconfident, underconfident, or even thinking too much could hurt performance. In order to win a rivalry game it is essential to be able to match the intensity of the opposing team and play through atmosphere that revolves around the game.

Junior and varsity baseball player Austin Andrews is against overthinking in baseball and believes in acting on instinct; this ability will help in defeating a rival.

“[A rival game] is just another game; I go into every game getting my mindset right and trying to figure out what the other team likes to do and what their players do,” Andrews said. “Over thinking in baseball is the worst.”

In a game against a rival or cross-town foe, the game often comes down to who wants it more. This comes naturally after seeing the other team frequently and having personal connections to those players.To win a game, players on each team must exhibit outstanding passion and effort in order to be victorious.  

“I prepare for every game like it is my last,” Day said. “Giving every last drop of passion and skill to my teammates with intent on getting the win at the end of the day.”

Rivalry games have greater importance to the players and the fans because of familiarity with the players and physical location of the rival. The importance that surrounds these games and the preparation that is put into these games is second nature. These games are all about the win, regardless of the score. Winning at all costs is the name of the game.