Every high school has its traditions, but few match the intensity and spirit of butter bowl. This is the annual football showdown between Sunlake High school and Land O Lakes. This year game was packed with energy emotion, and memories, especially for senior Ian Laari, who experienced his 4th and final butterbowl. “It was a really fun experience” Ian said. Though Ian had been to the last three Butterbowl’s, each one carried it’s own special energy. “The crowd was roaring and there were more people at one game than I’d ever seen. There was so much opportunity to see friends, cheer for the team, and just have fun. It was great butterbowl for me.” The theme for the game is always blackout for our home butterbowl. When asked about the significance of this year game, Ian reflected on his past years, “This was my first and last butterbowl,” he said, “It’s sad that it’s the last, and we lost more than three times we played, but I think we played great and it was still a fun experience.” While the scoreboard didn’t land in sunlake’s favor, the night still had its highlights. Ian’s favorite moment of the game he said, “Was when we got our one touchdown,” he said.”Everyone was ecstatic and it really looked like we had a good chance of winning.” That touchdown wasn’t just a score, it was a spark of hope and energy that lit up the entire stadium. Butterbowl wasn’t just about football, it was about connection, passion, and memories. Although it was sad that it was his last butterbowl he is glad that he was able to have an amazing experience every year he went.

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