First Cowhide, First Impressions: Freshmen Prepare for the Rivalry

For six Redwood freshmen on varsity, this game is more than another matchup. It’s their first opportunity to experience Cowhide as high school football players while competing alongside older teammates. 

By Midori Touchstone

With the 71st annual Cowhide game approaching, Redwood High School’s varsity football team is preparing to face its rival, Mt. Whitney. Redwood enters the rivalry with a 7-2 overall record and a 3-2 league record, while Mt. Whitney holds a 4-5 overall record and a 2-3 league record.

Jaylen Gridiron, ‘30, a cornerback who has played football for about four years, is preparing for the rivalry by focusing on his ability rather than his age.

“I prepare myself by thinking that I’m not a young player and that I’m just like the rest of the other players, and that I’m able to play up to their level,” Gridiron said.

Gridiron said his parents introduced him to football, and he continued playing because he enjoyed the sport. Now, he hopes his first Cowhide will be the beginning of a successful high school career. 

“It would mean good to me knowing that I won Cowhide my first one here,” Gridiron said. “That’s a good sign that we can win Cowhide for the rest of my three years here.”

For other freshmen, the atmosphere is a major part of what makes the game exciting. Exavier Jackson, ‘30, who plays tight end and receiver, is looking forward to experiencing the energy of the rivalry firsthand. 

“Just the environment, the loud crowd, both sides of the field, being hyped,” Jackson said. 

Jackson has played football for eight years, growing up in a family that has always been involved in the sport. Making varsity as a freshman was an opportunity he felt proud of.

“I feel honored to play with some of these seniors and show off my talents,” Jackson said.

With Cowhide marking the final regular-season game, Jackson is excited to experience the rivalry alongside his teammates. He said he is looking forward to the game because it will be his last regular-season game of his freshman year and an opportunity to play alongside the seniors.  

For Steven Malgarejo, ‘30, a receiver who has played football for about eight years, preparing for Cowhide is as much a mental challenge as a physical one. 

“I think it’s just a mental thing. I gotta prepare myself for the big crowds and, you know, focus on what I need to do,” Malgarejo said. 

Malgarejo said he is excited for his first Cowhide because it is also his first year of high school. He hopes to continue playing football in college and would like to attend USC.

Winning Cowhide as a freshman would also give Malgarejo something to remember from his first year of high school. He said the victory would mean a lot because he would be among the players who could say they won Cowhide during their freshman year. 

While some players are focused on the atmosphere, others are keeping their attention on winning.

Xzavier Martinez, ‘30, a linebacker who has played football for about 11 years, has heard about the energy and large crowds that come with Cowhide. However, he said how he views the matchup, “I think it’s just another game,” Martinez said.

Martinez said he expects the game to bring plenty of energy, but the hype hasn’t changed how he plans to approach it. Rather than getting caught up in the expectations surrounding Cowhide, he is focused on competing and helping Redwood come away with a win.

For Martinez, football has also been a family influence. He said his mom initially pushed him to play, even though he wasn’t interested at first. His dad later became a major influence by training with him, taking him to the gym, and helping him improve. 

Now, Martinez hopes to continue playing football in college and would like to attend the University of Miami.

Eden Caldron, ‘30, who plays left guard on the offensive line, is also focused on winning. Making varsity as a freshman was a milestone that showed him his hard work was paying off. 

“It felt great. It showed that all my dedication and hard work [are] paying off,” Calderon said.

As the team prepares for Cowhide, Calderon said his offensive line teammates are working together to stay focused and ready for the game. 

“For sure, we get together, we pray together, and stay dialed in and focused on our assignment,” Calderon said.

Calderon also said he has heard Cowhide can be compared to the rivalry between Ohio State and Michigan, giving him an idea of how much the game means to the schools involved.

For Calderon, the chance to win Cowhide as a freshman makes the game even more meaningful. He hopes to help Redwood beat its rival and be part of the victory he can remember throughout his high school career. 

Marc Ybarra, ‘30, who plays guard and has played football for about four years, is looking forward to experiencing the crowd for himself.

“My first Cowhide, definitely the crowd. I want to feel that energy,” Ybarra said.

Ybarra said he feels some nerves about the game but is still excited to play. He started playing football because of his dad, but his love for the sport is what made him continue. 

He also credited his family, especially his dad and grandfather, for encouraging him throughout his football journey.

Although the six freshmen have different expectations for Cowhide, they share the experience of entering Redwood’s biggest rivalry game at the beginning of their high school careers. Some are looking forward to the crowd, while others are focused on staying mentally prepared, working with their teammates, and helping Redwood win. 

As Redwood prepares to face Mt. Whitney in the 71st annual Cowhide game, the freshmen have an opportunity to experience the rivalry for themselves and begin building their own memories of the tradition. 

Tags: cowhide, football, Freshman, redwood gigantea, redwood high school, redwood sports, rivalry, visalia ca