The Bowie and Jefferson rivalry is one of the most iconic rivalries in the city of El Paso. On Nov. 11, the famous helmet representing both school’s colors was at play. The Battle of the Southside took place in the Sunbowl Stadium at UTEP for the fifth year in a row with a few special guests.

The stadium was filled with blue and red all across the stadium. At halftime, past homecoming queens and the homecoming court of Bowie High School was presented starting with freshmen and following up all the way to the seniors to commemorate the 90th anniversary.

The homecoming queens of 1972, 1993, 1996, 1999, 2005, 2007, 2009, 2014, 2015, 2016 were presented.

The homecoming queen of 2014, Senjaseed Mendoza pointed out that it was great coming back home to one of the greatest games in El Paso.

“It was a great feeling to come back to be presented as the homecoming queen of 2015. Not only to be presented as homecoming queen but also as a Bowie Bear,” Mendoza said.

Mendoza also had some comments as of the game and the atmosphere.

“I’m glad to see Bowie getting the supports that it deserves. I loved seeing all blue in the side of Bowie and the support they give the players out in the field. The atmosphere was great,” Mendoza said.

Although the atmosphere was great, the football team suffered a defeat against the Jefferson Foxes with a score of 26-16.

Reunited

Los Osos Orgullos originally planned to make an attempt to break the Guinness World Record for the largest school reunion. The event would have been held at the Sun Bowl prior to the the homecoming game.

Unfortunately, less than 1,900 people had signed up for the event, not nearly enough to break the record. The plans for the event fell through.

“We didn’t have enough participants,” said alumni Beatriz Blanco, class of 1988.

The required number of alumni participants needed would have been more than 3,638, the current record held by St. Paul’s High School in Belgaum, India. Los Osos Orgullosos had hoped to gather around 3,800 proud Bears.

Not letting the failed attempt hinder their school spirit, a tailgate was formed instead and they donated the money given to the school by those that had already registered. After $16,000 in donations to 12 different programs, the hopes that everybody could still have some fun and show their pride was in full display. The tailgate was created to celebrate the school’s 90th anniversary. Those that had hoped to break the record instead enjoyed the tailgate, meeting old friends and families.

“It’s nice to see a lot of familiar faces,” said alumni Barbara Esparza, class of 1993.