The Milkcan is one of the biggest and most hyped-up games of the year. Don Lugo High School and Chino High School go head-to-head for bragging rights and the ultimate trophy — the famous milk can, a symbol that shows which school truly runs the rivalry.

Leading up to the game is Spirit Week, where students go all out with dress-up days, fun activities, and posters plastered around campus to build excitement. It’s all about pumping up school spirit and getting everyone confident for the big showdown.

Nolan Chavez, a football player gearing up for the big game, shared just how much it means to him; “When it comes to Rival Week, I get so pumped up because it’s my favorite game of the season. I think Lugo is keeping the can because our team has bigger dudes and better chemistry. I think Chino’s hit list is straight wack – when I saw my name on it, I just started laughing because I know it won’t happen.”

But it’s not just the players bringing the energy.The cheerleaders, who hype up the crowd and keep the conquistador spirit alive, play a huge role too. Cassidy La Porte, one of Lugo’s cheerleaders, has her own excitement and thoughts about the big game, “I feel like the rival game is a fun tradition we have, I feel like it brings the schools together to really have fun and show school spirit I think we are going to win milkcan because we honestly have a strong team compared to chino.. and I feel like our boys will pull through and get us our win.”

Every year, this incredible showdown brings out the best of school pride, and whether you’re on the field, in the stands cheering for the team or cheering on the sidelines, there’s no denying the Milkcan is more than just a game — it’s a tradition.