In the legendary Chico High vs. Pleasant Valley Almond Bowl, the night began with a moment fans won’t soon forget. Delivering the game ball straight onto the field, the Enloe Emergency Response helicopter swept in with a powerful, windy entrance that immediately stole the show. Once the excitement settled and the clock began, the first and second quarters stayed tight, but they quickly hinted at which team would control the night. High-powered offensive plays sent PV athletes charging through Chico’s defense, gaining yards with confidence, while the Vikings’ aggressive O-line shut down nearly anything the Panthers put into motion. Seniors Ryan Rothenberger and Titus Andrus powered through with crucial rushing plays in the first half, signaling that Chico was in for a long evening. Long-range connections to receivers such as Devin Amerson and Drew Van Nuys helped push the ball downfield as Coach Mark Cooley’s strategy unfolded. This team was unstoppable.
Cooley shared that PV entered the game with a straightforward plan: control the clock. “I thought we could run the ball against them, and so the whole goal was to keep them off of their offense. Time and possession was key,” he said. To help his athletes stay locked in amid the noise, the coaching staff encouraged players to tune out outside distractions. They limited involvement in schoolwide hype activities, and Cooley praised his captains and senior members for reinforcing that message throughout the week. Their leadership kept the team focused on execution rather than chatter. The helicopter entrance, he added, will be the moment he remembers most, besides the win.
For the players, especially the seniors, the stakes went beyond a regular season game. Senior varsity athlete Zachary O’Laughlin explained that stepping onto the field came with both pressure and purpose. “I just knew that we had to win this game, and I knew that it was going to be a big, loud game coming into it,” he said. The team prepared day after day at practice, sharpening both focus and physicality. Just before kickoff, the squad heard a message reminding seniors that this would be their final Almond Bowl. It would be their last chance to leave a legacy in one of Chico’s most meaningful athletic traditions–O’Laughlin said that message stuck with him and helped fuel his performance on the field.
Pleasant Valley’s defense remained strong throughout the night, limiting Chico to a single touchdown and shutting down key offensive attempts. With PV steadying the rhythm and continuing to win possession, the Vikings secured a 16–7 victory. This year’s win was especially meaningful; it broke the long-standing rivalry tie of 26-26-1. With Almond Bowl LIV complete, Pleasant Valley now leads the series once again.
Since its official start in 1970, named by local businessmen in honor of the region’s historic almond fields, the Almond Bowl has grown far beyond a football game. The event draws enormous community engagement, including a popular car raffle that raises money for both schools and gives one lucky winner a brand new vehicle. From alumni to families to first-time attendees, the stands were filled with fans eager to experience one of the most important games of the year. Sophomore Jackson Gephart reflected on the energy in the crowd, saying, “I believe that the student section was a big factor in helping our team win because it helped generate our team’s energy to help score more points.”
With shared history, spirited competition, and a night full of adrenaline, Almond Bowl LIV added another unforgettable chapter to Chico history. Pleasant Valley is back in the lead, and the Vikings walk away with bragging rights–until next year.
