The popular Amador versus Foothill basketball rivalry game will look a little different compared to past seasons, with limited capacity due to Covid protocols. 

“The environment fuels the energy of the team and also makes the game much more fun. I would say our team plays better when the stands are filled with more people,” said guard Tyler Cheng (‘23).

In an email sent by Amador’s Principal Joshua Butterfield and Foothill’s Principal Sebastian Bull, both the girls and boys matchup on February 3rd will be limited to 500 people. There is an established gate list, and there will be no admission at the front door. 

“It’s definitely gonna be a challenge for us since we’re at a disadvantage with limited fans, but we’re not going to be afraid of the moment, and we’ll have to stay focused through the noise,” said guard Jason Ooi (‘23). 

Amador’s girls basketball team defeated Foothill on January 19th by 8 points in a close game, while the boys have yet to match up this season. All signs point towards an exciting and tense matchup on Thursday with many of the usual nerves that come around for rivalry games. 

“With fans or not, our game plan stays the same when preparing for Foothill. We’re locked in and ready for them,” said guard Jason Ooi (‘23).

Many who want to attend the games are unable to due to an exclusive gate list, but uncertain times call for these Covid protocols that keep the community safe. 

“It’s really unfortunate that there has to be limited fans, but I understand the protocols to keep the community safe. I remember going to Amador versus Foothill basketball games in past years, and they were always an exciting time with high energy and loud noise,” said Rithwik Shah (‘23).

While fans come serve as a distraction for opposing teams, it is all part of the game of basketball that makes the rivalry what it is. 

“The thing I will miss the most about having fans this year is the trash-talking that comes along with it. The opposing school’s crowd is always saying something to the players to mess with them, which is one of the reasons the crowd makes basketball games more exciting,” said Cheng.