Bob Wells once said, “Look around. There are no enemies here. There’s just a good, old-fashioned rivalry.” For the last few years, it has been assumed that the Lakeland Lancers and West Milford Highlanders despise each other on the field. The violence seems to be a trend, and is almost expected. When asked why this rivalry was so fierce, Joe Fenui said, “Because we don’t like them and they don’t like us.” This is assumed by everyone, even though no one seems to know the true reason why.
The overall view of the rivalry is negative, and a member of the Boy’s Lacrosse team confirmed this. Rad Antona was asked his opinion of the rivalry, and he said it was “dumb and pointless. Lakeland is West Milford, but with a different name.” There was an instance last year where there was violence during a game, so there is a reason why lacrosse could despise the Lakeland team. Other people don’t really have an opinion regarding Lakeland. Courtney Cassels, a softball player, admitted she personally didn’t care about what team is being played, “I love softball and that’s why I play. I don’t care about the other team.” Mr. Trentacosta said sports such as football, baseball, and boy’s and girl’s basketball have the most intense duels. Both Cassels and Antona agreed that it unites the school because there is a “mutual hatred” towards Lakeland.
The other perspective on the rivalry is a positive one. Sometimes it takes a challenge to spark a team’s motivation. Hockey player Joe Fenui shared, “Personally I find it fun; it brings out the best in both teams.” Head hockey coach Dan Frey added, “Lakeland vs. West Milford was a heated rivalry back in the 90’s when I was at West Milford. Playing vs. Lakeland is so much fun. Players always bring their top game against them.”
It is almost expected by students to see a fight break out between these opposing schools, but Trent clarified, “Unfortunately, the athletes do not start the trouble.” It often seems to be more of an issue with the fans on the sidelines. On the field there appears to be a mutual respect between the teams. The football teams have not played each other recently, but this fall the match will make a comeback.
The history of the rivalry is actually quite interesting. During the 70’s and 80’s, Lakeland, West Milford, and other towns along Route 23 used to play in the Skyline Conference. People who graduated in the 70’s still remember the Highlander and Lancer rivalry being heated. Four decades later, the clashing teams continue to challenge each other.
What do the adults think about the Lancers and Highlanders playing? Frey admitted, “I don’t think it’s hate so much as a competitive rivalry. As I coach I try to teach all of my players to have respect for all hockey players.” Mr. Vetter, a gym teacher at Macopin, attended Lakeland during his high school years. When asked about the rivalry was like when he was in school, he replied “My impression was that West Milford was our rival. When competing in soccer, wrestling, or baseball, we always wanted to beat West Milford. I knew many of the West Milford athletes, so the rivalry was a fun one. To this day, I still keep in touch with a few of them.” He also admitted the some aspects have gotten out of hand over the years, but the administrations have “played a big part in making this rivalry more positive and less destructive.”
The reputation is a negative one, but once it is examined it is discovered that the two schools are just competitive. Incidents and kerfuffles will always occur, but there does not seem to be any true, “hateful” trigger. To this day, parents reflect on the rivalry as iconic and fun. Someday a new rivalry may be formed, but as of now, the Lancers and Highlanders continue to challenge each other the most.