Columbus high schools are uniting for a competition with a message of community

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WSYX) — The historic rivalry between Linden-McKinley and East High School, two of the top schools in the Columbus City School District, is more than just a game. Community leaders use this event to spread a message of unity and positivity.

“It’s Ohio State-Michigan, you know, it’s that kind of alumni rivalry, for both sides,” said Mike Bell, head football coach at East High School.

Casey Mock, head football coach at Linden-McKinley High School, emphasized the importance of playing in the community. “This week we showed the guys how important it is in the community for them to know about it. I hope they feel it,” he said.

Players from both teams are determined to win. “We have to win one, we have to win one for my seniors,” Linden-McKinley quarterback Davell Brock said.

Ta’ John Royster, East’s running back, emphasized the need for teamwork. “For us all to come together as a team and just work together. When we work together, no one will be able to beat you,” he said.

Off the field, volunteers hand out T-shirts with messages of unity that say “We are Linden” and “We are East” to unite everyone, whether they are a Tiger or a Panther.

Ralph Carter, founder of “We Are Linden,” said: “Unity. We are Columbus. Everyone has their own “we are”. This is our overall message to the entire city.”

The goal of “We Are Linden” organizers is to reduce recent youth crime and violence, such as carjackings involving local teenagers, by promoting a peaceful message and uniting fierce rivals for the greater good.

“Show yourselves and show yourselves to our children,” Carter urged.

Coaches understand that the impact of this event goes beyond football.

“We want to change the narrative about Linden and East,” Bell said. “There are a lot of great young people here, a lot of great people doing a lot of great things. You often hear negative opinions, but there are many children who are learning, many children who go to school, many children who are part of something positive.”