Monarchs versus Titans: The games that reel in intense crowds from the Papillion area to see the rivalry of over two decades, causing a rampage that divides the district. Both sides yearn for the P-town crown.
As school rolls back around every August, football teams from both schools go through inevitable changes; previous seniors have graduated, star players get injured, and underclassmen make themselves known.
On the Monarchs’ football side, Tavien Pirtle graduated, leaving a wide open quarterback spot. As if that was not a big enough change, the next quarterback in line, junior Cameron Leggett, is now recovering from his appendix bursting. Tragedies like this call for an underclassman like sophomore RJ Vitera to be on standby, ready for action.
“This year is a big step up because last year I dislocated my hip and couldn’t play,” Vitera said.
This season is Vitera’s first year playing highschool football due to his previous injury. He finds ways to fight the nerves as he jumps right into the quarterback position.
“I got to be confident when I’m out there on the field and just know that the guys in front of me are doing their best to protect me,” Vitera said. “I trust them, and I trust the game plan. I just got to try to execute it.”
Even with a reliable teammate to fall back on, Leggett is determined to fight through and make a showing for the big match.
“I had to get my appendix removed, but luckily it’s a very short recovery time,” Leggett said. “I’m happy with how our team looks and I think people will be surprised on Friday night.”
While the Monarch football team pushes through its inconveniences, the Titan players face some of their own switch-ups.
Previous quarterback Sam Schuler handed the baton to senior Chase Cunningham. Cunningham transferred from Monarchs to Titans after his sophomore year, making the rivalry carry an even heavier weight for him.
“Losing last year was disappointing,” Cunningham said. “But I’m excited to go out with my team and execute at a high level.”
Overall, both Papillion schools go through significant changes coming into the 2024 season. However, the Monarchs are soon to be walking into the rivalry game with their heads held high, confident that they will maintain the winning streak over the Titans.
“We have a much better offensive line and we got guys who will be making plays,” Vitera said. “It’s no question that I’m really confident with our team.”
The big game kicks off the FNL season on Aug. 30. Pretty soon the stadium will be an explosion of blue and maroon: bringing one half of Papillion into shambles, while the other half brings home the crown.
