Centennial, Central to face off in Bell Game

The Central Wildcats will face off against the Centennial Bulldogs Friday in the oldest football rivalry west of the Mississippi. Both teams are hoping to take home the coveted bell.

“It’s just a bell, but it means everything — it means everything to our school, it means everything to me and my friends. Can’t wait to get it tomorrow,” said Central junior Max Acosta.

“We have it at graduation and you get to see all of the seniors just ring the bell before they leave for the last time, and honestly, it’s a really cool tradition,” said Centennial senior Haley Whitman.

The friendly rivalry between the two teams became known as the Bell Game in 1950 when Lewis Roades donated a a bell from the CF& I Steel Corp. Each year the winning team keeps the bell and paints it in its respective color.

For the last four years, Centennial has taken home the bell.

“It’s beautiful because it’s in our possession. It’s in our home where it belongs. It doesn’t belong at Central. It belongs at Centennial,” said 1963 graduate Don Corky Madrid.

But the Wildcats are hopeful this year the tide will turn.

“As long as I have it one time in my four years at Central I’ll be happy,” Acosta said.

Central High School Physical Education teacher Marla Lanham graduated from Centennial but said her loyalty is now tied to Central. “I’ve been here for 17 years. I love Central High School and the kids that I work with,” she said.

Kick off begins at Dutch Clark Stadium at 7 p.m.