Rivalry is defined as competition for the same objective or for the superiority in the same field, but here at Pelham, rivalry runs deeper than a dictionary definition.

For decades, the Pelicans have battled against top schools in Section One, as regional competition has grown and intensified as well. From soaring above the Eastchester Eagles, to toasting Rye, Pelham certainly has made a list of their biggest rivals. However, when trying to determine which of these longtime foes is Pelham’s true rival, it is important to realize how often we play the school, how close they are to Pelham, and how close we are in competition.

Most students often assume Rye is our biggest rival because of how competitive the contests are, and how often we play them. Pelham varsity field hockey tied Rye on their Homecoming game 0-0, after previously losing. Also, girls soccer was unsuccessful in their 2017 competitions against the Garnets. The varsity boys soccer team beat Rye but then lost in the rematch. Additionally, Pelham varsity volleyball split the regular season series against Rye, but lost to the Garnets in sectional playoffs. This past spring, the boys varsity lacrosse team lost both contests against Rye, but the games are still important as they have sectional implications.

Rye would consider their rival Harrison, as they are neighboring towns. Since a rivalry traditionally requires mutual consent, Rye’s status as our rival is questionable.

Pelham athletes love to call Eastchester their rival. Many Pelham athletes can attest to the attitude Eastchester kids possess, however, Pelham has recently scored some impressive results against our neighbors to the north. Pelham varsity volleyball knocked off the Eagles in both of their matches this past season. Similarly, girls varsity soccer swept their season series against Eastchester, winning 3-0 and 1-0. After a tough 1-0 loss early in their season, Henry Morjikian scored a free kick in overtime to beat Eastchester 2-1, ending the eagles’ undefeated season. Also, boys varsity lacrosse is 2-1 against Eastchester in their past three meetings.

Junior Stephan Akichy, a midfielder for the varsity soccer team, said, “I always play my best against Eastchester because I want to beat them so badly. I would consider them our rivals because our games are always so close and tense.”

The Pelham varsity hockey rivalry is a special case. They consider Mamaroneck their biggest rival. Pelham came from behind to beat Mamaroneck 3-2 in 2015 sectional playoffs, and the next year Pelham thrashed Mamaroneck in the 6-1 win. Most recently, Pelham scored with 2:14 to play in regulation to end Mamaroneck’s 28 game win streak in the Pelicans’ 4-2 win. This rivalry is unique because Mamaroneck is Class AA.

The competition with Rye and Eastchester put them at the top of Pelham’s list of rivalries, but because of the hockey team’s stark competition against the Tigers, Mamaroneck poses as another legendary rivalry.

As Pelham winter sports team head into playoffs, they will look to get key wins over these rivals in their quest for sectional titles.