The Little Big Game, known as the LBG, is one of the biggest annual sporting events at San Mateo High School. Every year, the LBG pits two rival high school football teams, San Mateo and Burlingame, against each other. This year’s LBG is a special one because it is the first one held after school reopened for in-person learning.
The LBG started in 1927, when Burlingame High School was built, and has since been a yearly tradition, except in 1935 due to the unruly behavior of the crowd during the previous LBG, and in 2020 due to the Covid-19 pandemic. The winner of the LBG takes home “The Paw,” which Burlingame has held for the past 10 years. San Mateo has won the LBG 32 times and lost 56 times.
This year, players and coaches had to follow safety guidelines to be eligible to participate in the LBG. Players had to follow “all the school, district and county health guidelines,” according to Jeffery Scheller, the head varsity football coach. “When we use the locker rooms, we stagger the time the JV and Varsity teams are in there and all players are wearing masks while indoors,” said Sheller. Players, coaches, and fans did not have to wear masks outdoors during the game, but it was still recommended that they did so.
SMHS players were excited for the first LBG in two years. “I’m excited just getting in and playing more,” said senior Gustafu Tatola. “You have to be able to know the plays if you want to start. Coaches pick those who are willing to know what to do, if you are willing to start at the starting spot.”
Tatola also talked about the importance of maintaining safety while preparing for the LBG. When asked about the Covid-19 precautions taken during practice, Tatola said that players “gave each other warnings” to stay sanitized and “keep the mask on.”
After the game, San Mateo ended with seven points while Burlingame ended with 37 points. In the first quarter, the score was 14 to zero, 21 to zero in the second, 37 to zero in the third and at the end the Bearcats managed to scrape up a touchdown near the end to finish the game at 37 to seven.
The halftime show was another amazing part of the LBG. The dance team started first, performing a routine they practiced. This year, the marching band played songs by Elton John, including a solo performance of “I’m Still Standing.” As the marching band played, the color guard and the cheer squad joined in. When the San Mateo players came onto the field, the students in the San Mateo stands threw orange powder on the field to celebrate Bearcat spirit.
Overall, the LBG was an exciting event and a great learning experience for everyone on the team. Next year, San Mateo plans to come back and beat Burlingame. Go Bearcats!