Captain Bernard Bourgeois reflects on the pressure, pride and energy of taking on Renton High School.

The rivalry between Lindbergh High School and Renton High School has always been intense, and this year’s match up was no different. For captain Bernard Bourgeois, the game meant more than just football, it was about pride, energy, and proving something.

Bourgeois said stepping onto the field knowing it was Renton High School made him a little nervous at first, but once the first play started, all that went away. “I was excited, “he said.“ The locker room before the kickoff was crazy, everyone was hyped listening to YoungBoy, specifically the song ‘ I Came Thru.’ ” From the moment the whistle blew, the whole team was locked in.

The crowd added to the pressure, but Bourgeois said he’s learned to block it out. “Once you’re on that field, you can’t really hear anything else,” he said. “You just tune everything out and focus.“ He described the rivalry in one word, intense. Playing in front of a loud, packed crowd and knowing it was their rival school pushed everyone to give their all.

When asked if there was anything he’d change, Bourgeois said he still replays a dropped pick in his head. Besides that moment there were many proud moments too, especially throwing a touchdown to his teammate Dom Kelly. He says that was definitely one of his most proud moments of the game.

As captain, Bourgeois made sure his teammates stayed calm before kickoff. “I told them to stay locked in and not overthink it,” he said. “Just play your game.” The energy, motivation and focus showed throughout the night.

For Bourgeois, this game wasn’t just about the scoreboard, it was about representing Lindbergh High School and showing what rivalry pride really looks like.