Every season Tartan athletes face the Good Counsel Falcons. With an intense rivalry between the schools, the games are more intense and draw many students to cheer on fellow LOTAs.

Good Counsel is a coed Catholic high school in Olney that competes in the Washington Catholic Athletic conference, the same conference as Holy Cross. Good Counsel is well known around the school as a main AHC rival team.

Jasmine Newman, class of 2014 and junior varsity soccer coach, noted, “it’s exciting to see how the vibe and traditions of the AHC and GC game have not changed at all.” She explained, “Everything before and during this game is more focused, more intense, and more exciting.”

In the stands at AHC vs GC games, there are many more LOTAs, parents, and teachers coming to watch. There is more cheering and more nail-biting as the AHC spectators want the Tartans to win such a big game.

Varsity soccer player Megan Locraft said, “Good Counsel games are more intense because so many people come and it’s a very important game since they’re our rivals.” She also noted that at the clash of purple vs. blue and gold, “Winning is a huge deal.” Although the crowds may be bigger at volleyball games vs. Good Counsel, she appreciates the fans at GC soccer games, “Love the school spirit and the support makes me play better.”

Good Counsel games are the most attended games at Holy Cross as attendance from the boosters is mandatory. Addie Bounds, on Holy Cross’s varsity volleyball team, said, “I really like how everyone always wears purple or white and there’s always a lot of support playing Good Counsel. It’s really fun to have everyone there supporting us.”

No matter who wins, both teams work very hard and games are fierce and close in score.

Bounds added, “We never lose to Good Counsel but it’s still a fun game to play with everyone cheering us on and winning is always great.”

Sophomore, Paige D’Albora supported the high-spirit games, “Good Counsel games are especially more fun because of all the cheering and it’s so exciting when we win!”

Athletes are even more eager to win these games because GC is known for their competitive athletic teams.

Newman also explained, “Meanwhile, the fans pack the AHC sidelines of the GC bleachers and come with an abundance of enthusiasm. It’s truly an unforgettable experience as a player, coach, and fan!”