Following weeks of hype, the legendary Helmet Game proved to be just that––legendary. After 16 difficult years, Cupertino High School’s Varsity football team brought down Monta Vista’s in an epic duel commentated by our very own Mr. Sean Bui, leading to a 28-20 scoreline in Tino’s favor. The Helmet Game is a football game that occurs annually between rivals Cupertino High School and Monta Vista High School.

     Said Cupertino Head Coach Christopher Oswald, “Thanks for all the support, great crowd out there tonight. It feels good to beat them.”

     The first quarter was relatively quiet with neither side scoring a point, and the game was tense. However, Cupertino showed up in the second quarter scoring three touchdowns and extra points. Monta Vista barely clawed back with a touchdown and kick of its own, and Cupertino ended the first half with a solid lead of 21-7. Cupertino High School’s Proud Pioneer Marching Band and Colorguard came out to celebrate with an impressive show directed by Mr. Gilbert Iruegas, the band director, and senior Shivani Maisuria, the drum major.

     However, Cupertino’s Coach Yuekai Yu kept the game in perspective saying after the first half, “The lead doesn’t mean anything. We have to play better.” The half-time talk must have worked, as Cupertino remained in the lead.

     Said Cupertino team captain, senior Tyler Munson, “I am so proud … [16] year streak, and we broke it. We deserve The Helmet. The Helmet is home. I am so proud of the team. This is teamwork.”

The third and fourth quarters saw Cupertino push their lead with another touchdown, making the score 28-7, but Monta Vista pushed back. Amid some contested flag calls, Monta Vista was able to pull the game close to a scoreline to 28-20. One of the most incredible moments was when Cupertino High School blocked Monta Vista’s second kick after a disputed flag call that went in Monta Vista’s favor, a major achievement in a high school football game.

The school had also invited three alumni, who were recognized by the announcers.

After the game, Cupertino fans were ecstatic.

Said Principal Kami Tomberlain, “My first Helmet! Ten years in the making, Go Tino!”

ASB Treasurer Shankara Srikantan has stated that ASB is considering a “little celebration” for the win, hopefully more to come soon.

     The game was an impressive back-and-forth with contention on both sides. The crowd was enthusiastic, and the team is looking forward to a repeat victory over Gunn High School. Said senior varsity athlete Timothy Robinson when asked about whether Cupertino’s football team would also win against Gunn during homecoming, “Yeah, obviously.”