From Clearfield to Bountiful there are six Region 1 high schools, each with a strong pride and having interweaving rivalries with each other.
I took a Facebook poll among my friends to decide which rivalry is the most exciting, intense and blood-pumping in Davis County. Thirty-one people responded, casting their votes for the top three rivals. Most of them were teenagers of both genders, but there were a couple of adult opinions as well.
The top five rivalries from this vote follow, along with two honorable mentions. Keep in mind that since I live in Layton, there may be a bias toward the high schools in this area. Also, remember this is just a fun Facebook poll which may not be completely accurate or reflect the feelings of everyone in the county. Yet it does show which rivalries are the most fun to watch.
These rivalries are based on the overall athletic competition between the schools, meaning it doesn't matter what sporting event the schools in question match up for, there will always be some sort of rivalry.
Honorable Mentions
Viewmont vs. Davis: I was surprised this rivalry didn't break into the top five because from what I've heard, it's quite the intense battle every time these two teams take to the field, court, or whatever.
Syracuse vs. Davis: I only mention this one because of the recent successes Syracuse has had to rank highly in their region and contend with Davis. However they haven't been around long enough to really threaten the legacy of Davis High School.
Rivalry No. 5: Layton vs. Northridge
This is the classic cross-Layton rivalry that has been heated since the building of the Ridge. Layton High students memorize the dates in which they face the dreaded Knights, and their rivalry has certainly become very entertaining. For example, these football games end with a bigger prize than just a win: Whoever wins the game receives the famed sword, which the victorious school keeps until the next year. Only separated by a few miles in the same city, it's no wonder that every time these schools meet, sparks fly.
Rivalry No: 4: Northridge vs. Clearfield
Before the building of Syracuse High a few years ago, the Clearfield Falcons and Northridge Knights also had their own rivalry. They are still two hot rivals but now Clearfield leans more toward Syracuse and Northridge has turned its focus to Layton. However, the close proximity of these two schools prompts a strong rivalry; a few years ago, this was one of the biggest in the county, and everybody knew that when the Knights and Falcons took to the field or court, they would be in for quite a show. Both schools exhibit admirable displays of toughness, and neither backs down without a fight.
Rivalry No. 3: Clearfield vs. Layton
A rivalry dating back before any of their current students were born, the Layton-Clearfield rivalry is definitely a classic. After Davis High, Clearfield and Layton were both built around the same time, meaning that a rivalry was inevitable. Since then, the two have remained foes, although recently, because of other rivalries, this one has fallen off the radar. But because of its value as a vintage high school competition, it is ranked in the third spot.
Rivalry No. 2: Davis vs. Layton
Another long-time enmity between schools, the Davis-Layton rivalry has been intense since the day it started. Being extremely closely located to each other, both having perennial powerhouse football teams, and both having strong, rich, proud legacies, it's no wonder these two schools always have a glint of that "killer instinct" in their eye as they clash. As Blue faces Gold, and Lancer meets Dart, be prepared for one intense show no matter what the sport.
Rivalry No. 1: Clearfield vs. Syracuse
It is no question that when the Falcons and Titans meet, a heated, passionate, extreme battle will take place, be it on the football field or the basketball, tennis or volleyball courts. Beyond the athletes, even students have also been known to get into scuffles. Since Syracuse was built and the school boundaries changed, this rivalry has become one of the fiercest in the county. Having experienced games between these schools for myself, I can attest this is one meeting that you don't want to miss. Both schools exhibit toughness, heart, spirit and the love of the game.
There you have it, your top five rivalries for 5-A division high schools in Davis County. Again, keep in mind that those who participated in the poll may be biased, and again, I believe that the Viewmont-Davis rivalry should have made it into the top two. However, these are all top-notch rivalries sure to keep anyone on the edge of their seat.
Kimball Gardner is junior at Clearfield High School. E-mail him at 11KGardner1@davis.k12.ut.us.
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