Mr. Gatti’s Showdown: A look into Friday’s halftime performance

GattisShowdown2The Yellowjackets may have dominated the Trimble Tech vs. Arlington Heights rivalry over the last several years, but this week has the potential to be different as both teams have a lot to play for in regards to playoff positioning. However, regardless of the result on the field, the battle of the bands at halftime promises to be an entertaining one. High school rivalries are always intense on the field, but drum majors Jennifer Martinez (Trimble Tech) and Patrick Webber (Arlington Heights) said the rivalry between the two bands is a friendly one. “I can't speak for the entire band,” Webber said. “But we are mostly very good friends with the Trimble Tech band. There really isn't much of a strong rivalry, but we try to be better than each other.” That competitive spirit is natural, of course. While the Trimble Tech football team has struggled against Arlington Heights over the last few years, the Bulldogs band had the upper edge at the Region 5 Marching Contest on Oct. 18. The Bulldogs’ band received straight ones at the contest this week – the highest possible score – and will move on to the area competition. But before area, the band will be tasked with energizing the crowd at Friday’s game. Martinez described the Trimble Tech band as extremely supportive of the football team. “We’re big fans,” Martinez said. “If it wasn’t for their game, we wouldn’t be able to play.” Webber agreed, and went on to say that the Yellowjackets band is the number one fan of the Arlington Heights football team. “We get to enjoy every minute of every varsity game and we keep the players motivated to bring home a win for our school,” Webber said. “The band has the most school spirit of anyone in the school.” That school spirit will be on display as the bands play in full force at pep rallies on Friday, in the stands at the game, and of course, during the halftime performance. “Our main focus is the halftime show, and there’s more preparation for that,” Martinez said. “Halftime is definitely the most important.” Dave Campbell’s Texas Football and Mr. Gatti’s will honor the rivalries most spirited band at the winning schools pep rally on Friday. The winner is determined by a poll on the @DCTF twitter page, and voting closes Thursday afternoon.