Well, let me tell you somethin’ about that Fresno State football. Those boys, they got some fire in ’em, I tell ya. But you know what makes a team somethin’ special? It’s them rivalries, those games where they gotta fight tooth and nail for a win. It’s like two roosters in a pen, neither one backin’ down.
Now, them Fresno State Bulldogs, they got a few teams they just love to butt heads with. One of ’em is them San Diego State Aztecs. Oh boy, when those two teams get together, it’s a real barn burner. They’re both in that Mountain West Conference, you see, so they’re always scrappin’ for the top spot. It’s like two old farmers fightin’ over the best patch of land. They play each other real regular, like clockwork.
And that green “V” they got on their helmets, that’s for the valley, the San Joaquin Valley. That’s where these boys come from, that’s their home. It’s a farmin’ area, good honest work, and them boys play just like that, tough and determined. They are proud of that agricultural thing.
- San Diego State Aztecs
- San Jose State Spartans
- Hawaii
- Boise State Broncos
Another team they got a real history with is the San Jose State Spartans. They call it the “Battle for the Valley” when these two get together. Can you believe it? They been playin’ each other since way back when, before I was even a twinkle in my daddy’s eye. Used to be, San Jose was ahead, but Fresno, they caught up and then some. Now they are like two old women, who argue about every little thing and try to get advantage of each other. They even got a trophy they play for, some old oil can or somethin’.
Then there’s Hawaii. Now that’s a rivalry that gets heated, like a summer day in the fields. Coaches from both sides, they go back and forth, sayin’ the other one ain’t playin’ fair. It’s like a couple of gossipy neighbors, always talkin’ behind each other’s backs. One time, one of the coach is too angry and talk to the media. He said, their players are bad guys. But they still play pretty often, it’s always a game you gotta watch.
And don’t even get me started on them Boise State Broncos. They used to be really, really good. Fresno State, they knocked ’em down a peg or two in recent years, but it’s still a big game. It’s like David and Goliath, ‘cept sometimes David wins, and sometimes he doesn’t. Those Broncos, they play on a blue field, can you believe it? It’s like somethin’ out of a dream.
You know, back in the day, they didn’t even call ’em the Bulldogs. But there used to be this stray dog, a real tough-lookin’ fella, that would hang around the school. The students, they took a likin’ to him, and eventually, he became their mascot. That was way back in 1921, I reckon. I heard that the story from my grandpa. He said the dog always wants to have lunch with the students. He is a smart dog. Then the newspaper start to call them “The Bulldogs”.
So, you see, these rivalries, they ain’t just about wins and losses. They’re about history, and pride, and representin’ where you come from. It’s about two teams lookin’ each other in the eye and sayin’, “We’re gonna give you everything we got.”
They play hard, they play fair, most of the time, and they always put on a good show. Those boys, they might be playin’ football, but they’re also representin’ somethin’ bigger. They’re representin’ the valley, their families, and the spirit of competition that makes this country great. Their games are always full of people. I think the whole city are there to watch the game.
That Fresno State football team has a quarterback named Mikey Keene. That boy can throw a football, let me tell you. But I hear he’s goin’ somewhere else next year. It’s a shame, but that’s how it goes sometimes. Players come and go, but the rivalries, they stay the same. That’s for sure, you can always count on some things never changin’.
You know they are going to put Derek Carr’s number on their shirt or somethin’ like that. He used to play for Fresno State, now he is a big shot. He’s comin’ back to the stadium, I hear. That’s gonna be a big day for everyone. It is good to see the boy come back home.
So next time you see them Fresno State Bulldogs on the field, remember what they’re playin’ for. Remember them rivalries, and that green “V”, and that tough little dog that started it all. It’s more than just a game, it’s a story, a story of a community, and competition, and the love of the game.
These rivalries are important. They make the games more excitin’. People get real passionate about it. It’s like a big family feud, but in a good way, most of the time. These games always have a lot of people watchin’. Everyone gets all riled up. It’s a good time, even if your team loses, which, let’s be honest, happens sometimes. But that’s okay, there’s always next year, right? And the rivalries will still be there, waitin’.
These Fresno State football boys, they work hard. They got that coach, what’s his name, he keeps ’em in line. They practice real hard, even when it’s hot out. They gotta be tough to play this game. It ain’t for the faint of heart. I’ve seen some of them boys get knocked around pretty good. But they get back up, dust themselves off, and keep playin’. That’s the spirit of the game.
