When rivalry week rolls around, you can feel it before anyone says a word. The hallways buzz a little louder with chatter about who will be crowned the winner of that week’s rivalry matchup. Spirit themes circulate in group chats. Whether it’s football under the Friday night lights, a packed gym on a winter night, or a flooded ice rink with teenagers, Lake Forest versus Libertyville carries a different type of weight. 

Head Football Coach Chuck Spagnoli, who has led the Scouts since 2003, has seen the rivalry grow alongside the program itself. When he first arrived at LFHS, Libertyville dominated the matchup, which sparked Spagnoli’s drive to build a more competitive program. 

“In 2003, 04, 05, and 06 Libertyville was very good at football and we were not,” Spagnoli said. “That helped fuel the rivalry for us to be better and have success.” 

While preparation doesn’t really change on the field, Spagnoli explained that the emotional and historic importance of the game is always emphasized. Players are encouraged to understand what the matchup meant to those who came before them, helping current athletes develop a sense of pride in continuing the cherished tradition we all know and love. 

“If you have not experienced the privilege of participating in the game, you can’t really understand how important it is to those that do,” Spagnoli said. 

Some moments, he added, stay with players forever–especially the wins. Among the most unforgettable was the Scouts playoff victory over Libertyville in 2024, a game Spagnoli described as one of the most emotionally charged moments of his career.

The rivalry’s intensity is deeply rooted in tradition, for one particular reason. Spagnoli recalled a trophy that was once awarded to the winner at midfield after each game, until it mysteriously disappeared while in Libertyville’s possession following Lake Forest’s first win under Spagnoli in 2007.

“Just another reason why the rivalry exists,” said Spagnoli.

Mr. Alex Mann, also known as Coach Mann, once played football for Lake Forest and now teaches at the school. If there’s anyone educated enough on the rivalry, it’s him. While many of his earliest matchups with Libertyville are somewhat of a blur, one loss during his senior season remains clear.

“We got absolutely crushed on a drizzly night at Libertyville,” Mann said. “I think the score was 55-20, it was awful, a terrible feeling.” 

Mann noted that when he and his brother attended Lake Forest in the late 1990’s and early 2000’s, Libertyville consistently had the upper hand on Lake Forest. Despite shifts in competitiveness, the rivalry still remains the same at heart to many.

“Its very similar,” Mann said. “I think the students generally are a little bit more understanding of each other now. When I was in school, some of the chants were really bad and offensive. There are still unfortunate incidents but less overall.”

As a teacher, Mann enjoys seeing anticipation build in his classroom during rivalry week. 

“The excitement of the students is what keeps it going,” said Mann. 

For assistant principal Frank Lesniak, that excitement comes with responsibility. He sees first hand how differently students treat Libertyville games compared to any other matchup. 

“More students show up to watch. Especially if both teams have a good record, the games become very intense,” Lesniak said. “It is definitely the biggest rivalry we have.”

Lesniak said the biggest challenge is encouraging students to channel their energy positively. While some students primarily attend games to “chirp” at the opposing team, administrators emphasize cheering for the Scouts instead of targeting opponents. 

“Being loud and into the game has a positive impact,” Lesniak said. “That is home-field advantage that matters.” 

School Resource Officer Mark Long witnesses the emotional swings up close. During rivalry week, he notices a clear shift in student energy throughout the building.

“There is way more buzz around the school,” Long said. “The students always come together to wear a certain theme-some more creative than others.” 

He also sees how much higher the stakes of winning that week’s game feels. 

“The wins feel bigger and the losses feel even more devastating,”said Long.

To keep the environment safe, games are staffed more heavily and coordinated closely with Libertyville administrators as well as the police, even going as far as to send police officers to Culver’s to prevent any potential altercations.While incidents have occurred over the years, Long emphasizes that they happen regardless of the opponent. 

Why does the rivalry run so deep? Long believes it’s something lasting.

“High school rivalries last a lifetime,” said Long. “I currently coach football with a friend who attended my rival school, and the trash talk still continues.” 

At its core, the Lake Forest-Libertyville rivalry is more than just wins and losses. It’s about shared memories, Scout Pride, and the responsibility that comes with representing your Lake Forest Scouts. The energy that fills the hallways, classrooms, and locker rooms each year is what makes being a Scout meaningful. 

As Lesniak put it, “Forget about them. Worry about us, that’s all that matters. Go Scouts.”