The hype is already beginning to build as the upcoming rivalry game between the Rocklin Thunder and Del Oro Golden Eagles approaches. Rocklin currently has a season record of 7 wins and 2 losses. They are currently ranked 47th in the state and are undefeated in league.

With a big win last Friday night against Roseville, the Thunder is guaranteed a spot in playoffs and now will play Del Oro for the league championship. The team clinched their place in playoffs last week with a 31-14 win against the Tigers at Roseville, continuing their 7 game winning streak.

Riley Clark said, “The first half wasn’t very good, but we brought it up the second half.”

The football team now will play Del Oro, ranked 30 in the state, who is also undefeated in league.

“They’re a big, fast, strong team” Spencer Medenwald said.  “They have one of the biggest lines so it’ll be tough.”

This is not the first time that Del Oro has faced a big rivalry this year. The competition between Granite Bay and Del Oro resulted not only in a last second Eagle win but also some pranks – and vandalism – between the schools. However, the DO and Rocklin rivalry has been both respectful and competitive. The players have not heard of any disputes between the teams.

The Thunder is confident they can defeat the school’s major rival as long as they play together as a team.

Skylar Gonzalez, senior, said “Everyone’s going to have to play to the best of their ability and we’re going to have to stop their runs.”

With not only a league championship on the line but also playoffs, the team will have to make sure they stay strong to finish out the season.

“We have a lot of injuries and people start getting worn down so we have to keep everyone healthy so we can keep moving forward,” Gonzalez said.

The big game this Friday concludes the league and the Thunder will advance to the postseason in the upcoming weeks. Come out and support them! Good luck boys!