Lucy Paine, Sports Editor
The intense rivalry between New Canaan High School and Darien High School is more than just a series of competitive matchups. Whether it’s on the football field, the hockey rink, or the basketball court, the high-stake atmospheres of these games energizes athletes, coaches, and fans, creating an undeniable sense of unity. From heightened school spirit to a shared determination to win, these rivalry matches fuel not only the competitors but also strengthen the bond within the school.
For Senior Captain of the football team Simon Tchakarov, the rivalry games take on a different weight. A century-long tradition is the Darien vs New Canaan “Turkey Bowl” every Thanksgiving. “Playing in the Turkey Bowl feels different because of the history behind the matchup,” Simon said. “It’s more exciting because I’ve grown to dislike the other side throughout my entire childhood.”
Senior Captain of the girls hockey team Maddie Tully, recalled the intensity and the sense of collective purpose that comes with facing Darien. “A rivalry game is a lot more intense,” Maddie said. “The biggest pressure is knowing how much this game means to our team, our school, and our fans.”
Even with the intense rivalry on the fields, student volunteers come together to broadcast the action on the field to audiences at home. NCTV and DAF Media stream a joint broadcast in order to get both perspectives of as many rivalry games as they can. Owen Heffron, a broadcaster for DAF Media, spoke about the friendliness inside the booth which contrasts the fierce competition on the field. “Of course there’s a rivalry out on the field or whatever terrain they’re playing on, but in the booth, it’s all friendly, which is really nice,” he said.
For coaches, maintaining focus and discipline amidst the intense atmosphere is crucial. Chris Silvestri, New Canaan’s defensive coordinator, emphasized the importance of sticking to the fundamentals. “We don’t change our routines for rivalry games,” Silvestri said. “It’s about focusing on what we’ve practiced all season while keeping the emotions in check.”
Senior Captain of the girls soccer team Paige Place, echoed the sentiment that rivalry games bring out a different level of competition. “Playing in a rival game like Darien brings out everyone’s competitiveness. We’re all friends with Darien kids through club sports, but in a New Canaan-Darien game, everyone wants to win,” she said. “Winning a rivalry game is more about who wants it more rather than just skill.”
With the added aggression, rivalry games can be the hardest games of the entire season. “I’m more of a technical player, so aggressive games are more mentally challenging for me. But of course, there’s also the pressure of bringing home bragging rights, which is a huge motivator,” Paige said.
This collective drive is not only felt by the players. Owen noted the electric atmosphere that fills the air during the rivalry games. “Before the game, when students are flowing in, especially for basketball, you can really feel the buzz,” he said. “The student sections on either side are yelling, and everyone’s talking about the game.”
What makes the rivalry truly unique is how it unites the community. Whether it’s the student body, the athletes, or the alumni, everyone comes together to rally behind their team. Silvestri captured this sentiment perfectly. “Regardless of wins or losses, the rivalry is about family. It’s about coming together with your team, your school, and your community to celebrate what really matters,” he said.
In the end, rivalries like New Canaan and Darien are more than just games. They bring people together, create lasting memories, and show the deep pride and passion in the community. “The rivalry game is a huge milestone of the season,” Simon said. “It adds extra motivation to perform, and it’s a reflection of everything we’ve worked towards.”
Whether it’s the buzz in the student section, the strategy on the field, or the pride of wearing the school colors, the rivalry between New Canaan and Darien brings out the best in everyone; and that’s something that can’t be measured by numbers on the scoreboard.
