Football: Sunlake Seahawks vs. Land O’ Lakes Gators

A Legacy Forged in Fall

Every fall in Pasco County, excitement fills the air as students, families, and alumni gear up for one of the most anticipated games of the high school football season — The Butter Bowl. This annual showdown between Sunlake High School and Land O’ Lakes High School isn’t just another Friday night game under the lights. It’s a community tradition that celebrates school pride, friendly rivalry, and local spirit.

The rivalry began in 2007, when Sunlake High School opened just down the road from Land O’ Lakes High. Naturally, the two schools shared more than just a zip code — they shared students who grew up playing on the same youth teams, attending the same middle schools, and living in the same neighborhoods. When they found themselves on opposite sides of the football field, the Butter Bowl was born. The name pays tribute to Pasco County’s agricultural roots and adds a fun, unique identity to the annual matchup.

Each year, the Butter Bowl brings out the best of both schools. Pep rallies fill the halls with excitement, bands rehearse their halftime shows, and cheerleaders prepare routines to fire up the crowd. Spirit weeks lead up to the big night, with students dressing up in themed outfits to show support for their teams. By Friday evening, the stands are packed with students, parents, and community members — many of whom have been attending this game since the very beginning.

Over the years, the Butter Bowl has seen its share of dramatic finishes and emotional victories. From Sunlake’s first win in 2010, marking a shift in the rivalry, to Land O’ Lakes’ dominant early years and the unforgettable 2011 season, which included a forfeited game that made headlines, every matchup adds another chapter to local history. These moments are more than numbers on a scoreboard — they’re memories shared by players, students, and fans alike.

But the true meaning of the Butter Bowl goes beyond competition. It’s a celebration of community — of two schools that push each other to do better while maintaining respect and sportsmanship. It’s where generations come together, where younger kids dream of one day playing under those same lights, and where alumni return to reconnect and reminisce.

In the end, the Butter Bowl is more than a football game — it’s a reflection of Pasco County pride, tradition, and unity. Whether you’re a Seahawk or a Gator, everyone agrees: this is what high school football is all about.

Butter Bowl Milestones & Memorable Matchups
Defining games that shaped the rivalry between the Sunlake Seahawks and the Land O’ Lakes Gators.

What the Game Means to the Community

• Identity & Tradition
  From students to alumni, parents to local businesses, everyone looks forward to Butter Bowl season. The event surfaces school spirit in full force: banners, pep rallies, marching bands, and fans in school colors fill the stands.

• Heart & Hangaround Moments
  It’s not just about the final score. It’s about the moments that stay with us—game-changing plays, the roar of the crowd after a touchdown, halftime performances, and the tension in the air. These shared experiences build memories that last well beyond high school.

• Unity and Rivalry Coexisting
  Though Sunlake and Land O’ Lakes are rivals on the gridiron, many in Pasco County see the Butter Bowl as a uniting tradition. People from both schools support their own while also respecting the other—not just for athletic ability, but for what both contribute to the local culture.

• Inspiration for the Next Generation
  Younger students watch, young athletes aspire, and every year there’s a new crop of players aiming to make their mark in Butter Bowl history. The trophy, the spotlight, the legacy—all serve as motivation.