SEBASTOPOL – For the first time in years, the favored team in
the annual Golden Apple Bowl may not be wearing blue and white.
The 44th edition of the West County showdown, scheduled for this
Friday, Oct. 9 at Karlson Field in Sebastopol, is shaping up to be
a classic match-up that’s too close to call.
The Lions (2-3, 0-1) are looking to make it two in a row
following last year’s, 21-19 upset win in Forestville that snapped
the Tiger’s 10-game win streak. Despite Analy’s decade of
dominance, El Mo holds a 22-21 overall edge in the series.
“We’re not approaching the game any differently whether we have
the Apple Trophy or not,” said Lion’s head coach Mike Roan. “Analy
has a good team so we’re taking the approach that we’re the
underdogs again this year.”
The Tigers (4-1, 0-1) are well aware of how the game can change
a season, as last year’s clash will attest. The 2008 Tigers began
the year at 5-0 before the loss to the Lions started them on
six-game slide.
One thing is certain, Analy will not be taking the Lions lightly
this time around.
“After our loss last year we may have a little more incentive
this season,” said head coach Dan Bourdon, who ironically began the
10-year Tiger win streak in 1997 as the senior quarterback, and
watched it end as the head coach in 2008. “It’s Spirit Week, so our
job is to keep the kids focused.”
Fans are encouraged to show their colors and arrive early, with
a huge crowd expected to witness this year’s game. The JV will kick
off the action at 5, followed by the varsity clash at 7:30 p.m.
