According to Merriam Webster, a rival is defined as, “a person or thing that tries to defeat or be more successful than another.” The Cathedral Catholic High School Dons and St. Augustine High School Saintsmen embody this definition. Since 1966, the senior tradition has yet to graduate, as fans continue to anticipate the two teams competing for the win.

Today, these two teams compete for the first time this season at Point Loma Nazarene University.

Students find themselves wanting to become apart of the history that inspired them to continue cheering proudly for their teams all these years.

“It’s such a special feeling to be apart of the banter that is exchanged,” Los Locos member Jack Vecchio ’16 said. “Both the great quality of games and the great student sections that both teams bring, make the whole atmosphere so great to be apart of. I wouldn’t miss a rivalry game for any reason.”

CCHS currently is 3-0 in Western League, instilling budding confidence within the veteran team, which was joined by new talents Brandon Mccoy ’17, Je’von Figaro ’17 and Christian Moore ’17.

McCoy, a junior transfer from Morse High School and ESPN five-star recruit, anxiously awaits the upcoming dual.

“At my old school, we kind of rivaled them as well; everyone wants to beat them,” McCoy said. “But being here, with this team, it’s multiplied 10 times, but I’m just focused on winning.”

Traveling to Sacramento, Las Vegas and Chicago, CCHS racked more than miles in its pre-league season. The time spent on the road allowed the returnees to bond with the newcomers, on and off the court.

Generating an overall record of 9-4, CCHS played tough competition in its time away from home, allowing the team to gain experience by immersing themselves in a foreign environment with skilled competitors.

“It was a good experience,” Coach William Cunningham said to The San Diego Union Tribune. “We’re still learning to play together.”

Weeks later, CCHS forward Zachary Green ’17,  in light of the rivalry, said, “We play well together.”

Whether it be the multitude of weather the team endured while traveling or the hours committed, CCHS is prepared to storm SAHS.

“We want to do what we know we can,” Green said.

Ranked 18th in the state, SAHS also enjoyed a strong start to its season, performing 13-3 overall and 2-0 for league.

SAHS forward Taeshon Cherry ’19 is a player to watch due to his “elite strength, size and athleticism,” The San Diego Union Tribune reported. His youth brings time for improvement and development as he continues to perform. Another player to watch is center Eric Monroe ’16, who will attend Yale in the fall, as well as guard Otto Taylor ’17.

Since 2004, the county-known rivalry has battled 25 times, with SAHS prevailing 14 times.

“We both have history of having top caliber sports teams, and you always want to beat the best,” CCHS student Jack Hogan ’16 said.

This year does not differ to past years. With strong players, fluid teamwork and strong showmanship, both teams pose as alphas.

“We always like to win,” Cunningham said.

Tickets will be sold at the door at 5:15 p.m. due to high attendance. The game starts at 7:15 p.m.