High school rivals rile up fans for Cannon Game in Pueblo

High school rivals in Pueblo clash for the cannon.

South and East high schools hyped up fans at pep rallies today for the annual Cannon Game.

Both schools play for an authentic Civil War canon that is the heaviest trophy in Colorado high school football.

The pep rallies had chants, performances, motivational speeches and supportive alumni.

South High School football player Brandon Maes said he has this game circled on his calendar every year.

“This is what we all been going through the summer for. All the hard workouts ever since freshman year, now that we are seniors, we want this more than ever,” he said.

Fans and players said the Cannon Game brings more energy to an electric atmosphere.

“You’re there for the moment. Everything intensifies, you can feel the heat from the ground you can hear people’s voices, you can smell people’s breathes,” former East High School football player Samara McLeod said.

This is the 57th edition of the game, but the 40th time both schools are playing for the cannon.