Prep column: Rivals will set grief aside

Barry Faulkner

Though the Sept. 29 death of Matt Colby created an olive branch

between the typically contentious football programs at Costa Mesa and

Estancia high schools, expect nothing less than intense competition when

the two collide Friday at 7 p.m. at Orange Coast College.

Grieving the stunning death of Colby, who played three seasons at

Estancia before transferring to Costa Mesa with six of his teammates to

join former Estancia Coach Dave Perkins, brought players from both

schools together to share their communal pain. But the passage of time,

even a relatively short four weeks, as well as the natural

competitiveness that is accentuated when intracity neighbors square off

in any athletic contest, has apparently helped galvanize the Costa Mesa

and Estancia football camps.

“Personally, I think nothing has changed,” said Costa Mesa senior

quarterback A.J. Perkins, who was on the last two Estancia teams that

claimed the perpetual Victory Bell trophy, before joining his father with

the Mustangs. “It’s still a rivalry and I plan to go in and play as hard

as I can. I know Matt wouldn’t have wanted it any other way.”

Perkins, who was also Colby’s best friend, acknowledged there was a

bond that developed between players from both schools following the death

of the senior outside linebacker who collapsed after taking himself out

of a Sept. 28 nonleague game and never regained consciousness. But that

bond will be temporarily broken when the ball is kicked off Friday.

“We want all the best for (the Estancia players),” A.J. Perkins said.

“But, this week, I want the best for us. Guys from both schools may know

each other a little more, now, but I’m going to approach it as if they’re

the enemy. You want to beat the enemy every game.”

The controversy surrounding Dave Perkins’ departure from Estancia and

the subsequent transfer of players, including five talented seniors, led

to offseason speculation that this year’s Battle for the Bell would be a

supreme grudge match that would test the boundaries of sportsmanship.

And while there is clearly antipathy, particularly from Estancia,

which has struggled to replace the transfers, the events following

Colby’s death provide a greater expectation for civility, at least after

each whistle and the final gun.

That civility will not include a communal banquet during the

traditional postgame feast at Newport Rib Company.

Though the idea of both teams convening for the meal that rewards the

winner was discussed, it was agreed that the victor would stake sole

claim to the spoils covered in barbecue sauce.

The Mustangs and Eagles, who wear an identical patch on their jerseys

as a tribute to Colby, aren’t the only teams honoring the late Mustang.

Northwood and University have donned No. 9 helmet decals in honor of

Colby.

University High senior lineman Fred Sedighravesh played Thursday’s

game against Corona del Mar with the No. 9 written in black marker on the

sides of his white-tape spats that covered both cleats. He also had the

initials M.C. written vertically on both heels.

Finally, both Costa Mesa and Estancia have begun making plans to open

next football season in Hawaii, though details are far from being

completed.