High school football: Saturday Morning Quarterback

What makes a great rivalry?

All of the components of what I believe comprise one were on display between Highland and East on Friday night in proximity, familiarity and competitiveness between two schools. And one underrated aspect, which was crystal clear to me for a few reasons before the night was over, was respect.

There might be some bad blood in some circles between Highland and East. But it's obvious that the players and coaches from the two programs respect each other. They wouldn't care so much about the rivalry if they didn't respect each other. And not only do they respect each other, they respect the game of high school football and that makes watching the two teams battle each other quite enjoyable.

East fans wouldn't have stormed the field after the win if they didn't respect Highland. It meant something to them to beat the Rams.

Respect was evident in how East coach Larry Eldracher felt when Highland's coaches and players left the field without shaking hands with the Leopards. It was understandable because with so many people on the field, there were numerous problems that could have occurred by Highland hanging around East's turf.

Eldracher felt bad about the situation n because he felt like his fans were in the wrong. It was the second straight year the Leopards beat the Rams, and the second straight year their fans stormed the field after the game.

I apologize to the Highland team and community that our fans stormed the field, Eldracher said. I think it says something on our behalf for last year because it had been such a long time (since East beat Highland) and it was a spontaneous deal. I wanted our players to shake hands with their players. They (the Rams coaches) were right to have them leave when there's mayhem out here. I need to talk to my administration about it.

It had been five years since I had seen a Highland-East game in person. I realized what I've been missing, and hopefully it won't be another five years before I see another one.

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It really is a family affair when East and Highland play. A reader passed on to me the following connections before Friday's game. Highland's Latu Heimuli, who played for East in little league, is the cousin of Leopards quarterback Danny Tuai. And brothers were on opposite sides of the field when Highland's Nate Fakahafua and Eastis Edward Fakahafua played against each other.