Friday night football games are a big deal at Pleasant Valley, especially when the Spartans are playing their biggest rival, the Bettendorf Bulldogs. Senior linebacker, Brandon Parejko expressed the importance of the upcoming rivalry game on Friday, “The Bettendorf vs. Pleasant Valley game is always a hard fought battle, but this game will be even more special because of how good each team is this season.”
So far, the Spartans have maintained a perfect record and are hoping to keep their winning streak going this Friday against their cross-town opponents. Parejko stated, “This game is huge for us. Bettendorf is a good team and they will be our toughest test yet.”
The competitive nature between the Spartans and the Bulldogs isn’t limited to the football field. On Friday, the rivaling schools have each been challenged to bring as many non-perishable food items to the game as they can. All of the food items will be donated to the upcoming Student Hunger Drive. The school who brings more items to the game will be deemed the winner of the first Student Hunger Drive battle. President of Spartan Assembly, Emma Horsfield, said, “The Student Hunger Drive is my favorite event of the year because it brings the schools together for an important cause that directly affects our community.”
Another tradition surrounding the annual Pleasant Valley vs. Bettendorf football game is the green out theme for Brett Greenwood. Greenwood, a Pleasant Valley alumni who was a member of the football team, fell victim to a heart arrhythmia in 2011 and has been on a slow road to recovery ever since. Every year, the Pleasant Valley student section chooses to wear green when playing Bettendorf in honor of former Pleasant Valley football standout, Greenwood. Parejko said, “The green out for Greenwood has been a very special tradition, as Greenwood is an idol to all of the Pleasant Valley football players. He really represents the team’s motto of Total Effort.”
This Friday is more than just a rivalry game between Pleasant Valley and Bettendorf on the football field. It’s a chance for the two schools to come together in honor of Greenwood, and support the Student Hunger Drive for the betterment of the community.
