Redskins send school mascot off in style

Colton Crow said it means more to the community than anyone will ever know.

The Chowchilla senior has heard it around town for the last few weeks. In a football savvy city like Chowchilla, a Central Section title is always something to covet, but the defensive back said Friday night’s 20-16 victory over Washington Union in the Division IV title game was more significant than usual.

The sixth Valley Championship in school history will never be forgotten in Redskin lore for the simple reason that it’s the last time it’ll happen as the Redskins. California banned the use of Redskins as a mascot in October, forcing Chowchilla to change things up one year before its 100th anniversary.

“It was definitely something we wanted to accomplish, but I think it means even more to the community,” Crow said. “Everywhere we go people come up and tell you, ‘Let’s win. It’s the last year of the Redskins.’ It’s definitely going to be weird. You spend your whole life waiting to put that uniform on and next year it won’t be the same.

“We definitely played for the name on the jersey tonight.”

It’s hard to argue. From the impassioned tomahawk chop to the “We are Redskins” chant in the closing seconds, there was no doubt how much the victory meant to those that made the trip down the 99.

“The fact that it’s the last year with the Redskins makes this a little more special,” linebacker Danny Chavez said. “Ever since our freshman year this is all I dreamed about. It sucks we didn’t get to have it for our 100th celebration, but this team is never going to be forgotten.”

And the good times aren’t over. Friday’s victory at John Ventura Stadium ensures Chavez and company will get to keep playing.

The Redskins and their banned mascot get to thumb their nose at the Sacramento bureaucrats for at least one more week, earning a spot in the first Southern California Regional Bowl game in school history. A win there would mean a state Bowl Game appearance. Chowchilla’s opponent will be announced on Sunday.

“The mascot’s name is Ready Redskin,” Chowchilla coach Alex Pittz said. “One of the traditions the school has is the RE chant. Each class spells out Redskin at our rallies and the class that does it best would win. It may not seem like a big thing, but when the bulk of the town grew up participating in the tradition, it gains significance.

“I think the best part about the win is it gives the town something to hang their hat on. If it’s the Redskins final year, we’ve made it special.”

This story was originally published December 5, 2015 at 7:27 PM with the headline "Redskins send school mascot off in style."