Rally towels, spirit shirts and hundreds of screaming fans are what Pitman and Turlock High School students are bringing to the Harvest Bowl this Friday.
Due to the un-sportsmanlike atmosphere that was present at previous Pitman versus Turlock football games, school administrators have been setting the bar high for all students and community spectators.
“This year, the Harvest Bowl will be a PG rated version of the movie 'Friday Night Lights,'” said Pitman High Principal Rod Hollars. “Everything will run smoothly as we expect our students to behave in a responsible and respectful manner.”
The same rules apply as they did last year with pre-approved signs only, no gang attire and children must be accompanied by an adult. But some of the rules don’t apply anymore with the new Joe Debely Stadium renovations.
One of the main problems for the Harvest Bowl over the years was the crowding at the south end of the stadium. This year, with the renovations, the field is completely blocked off with new fencing.
Getting into Debely Stadium has also changed. In previous years, some students were able to sneak past security who had to keep an eye on two separate entrances. This year, Joe Debely has one entrance off of Colorado Avenue and Marshall Street with more secure fencing, also making handling of the tickets easier.
“We are expecting about 5,000 people to attend this game and we have campus supervisors from both THS and PHS to ensure our kids are safe and have a good time,” said Hollars.
The pre-approved signs requirement remains to prevent some of the inappropriate signage that appeared in previous games over the years.
“We don’t unfold banners or signs during the games,” said Hollars.
Beyond the signs, bad student behavior will have consequences. If students are being inappropriate at the game, they will be asked to leave and if it is serious they will be suspended. At the game, students will be held to the same code of conduct as they are at school because it is a school-sponsored event.
Tickets are being sold for $7 for adults, and $5 for children and students with an ASB sticker. Tickets can be purchased at Pitman and Turlock High School front offices. This is a pre-sale only game; no tickets will be sold at the gate.
