In 1895, Barnstable first suited up to play Falmouth in the annual Thanksgiving day football game. It has been 120 years since that Thursday morning and one of the oldest rivalries in the state has seemingly withheld. But has Barnstable-Falmouth rivalry lost its intensity as a whole or has it moved to a completely different platform?

In January, after a 4-1 victory over Falmouth, then-Boys Varsity Hockey Coach Scott Nickerson had a few things to say on a different aspect of the game rather than the usual commentary on his players performance.

“I hate to admit it, but this game isn’t what it used to be,” Nickerson relayed to a Cape Cod Times reporter. “I don’t think the crowd is what it used to be, the atmosphere isn’t what it used to be, just something is lacking in this rivalry.”

Nickerson was not the only one to comment on the absence of a rivalry; wellness teacher Barbara Gleason was quick to respond as well.

“I don’t ever hear students talking about Falmouth or the rivalry,” said Gleason. But maybe that is because the rivalry has moved from word-of-mouth to word-of-tweet.

Twitter-wars are something to which this school is certainly not foreign, and the athletic world is no exception. Super fans, players, and fan accounts engage in online arguments that show that the tension is still there.

“It adds a whole other element to fuel the rivalry,” said senior Dylan Campbell who was also the boys varsity hockey goaltender.

Athletic Director Scott Thomas commented that the Athletic Department is definitely aware of the online presence.

“I don’t spend time looking at it unless it is brought to my attention through a formal complaint,” said Thomas. Thomas then reiterated that the department takes all online activity very seriously.

Campbell added that the introduction of social media does not dismiss the existence of the rivalry offline.

“Playing against [Falmouth] is extremely intense and it’s intense in the stands too. You respect them, but you hate them,” relayed Campbell.

There was certainly intensity in the stands in the most recent Falmouth-Barnstable hockey game during the postseason where Barnstable triumphed 4-3. Passion-filled cheers echoed across the rink from fans of all ages.

“In the playoff game [against Falmouth] the excitement and intensity was definitely there,” said Thomas, who is a strong believer that the rivalry still exists.

Though Thomas fully acknowledges the rivalry’s existence, he sees why some question the intensity.

“It has its peaks and valleys just like everything,” said Thomas.

Thomas argued that what some see as a lack of excitement could be due to Barnstable’s league opponents mostly being off-Cape, which may be changed in the near future. Thomas and other athletic directors from schools across the Cape are working on re-establishing the Cape and Islands League that existed in prior years. Thomas added that he thinks re-establishment of the league would definitely help the rivalry.

Gleason, who was a Barnstable student during the existence of the league, relayed that she has noticed a complete difference.

“There would be packed gyms and  it was a way to unite us and create a sense of community,” said Gleason.

Shared animosity toward a comon opponent certainly has a way of bringing a community together, but advocates for the rivalry want to make sure it holds on to its integrity, which may be put at risk while it moves towards the virtual world.

“People get brave when they are behind a computer,” said Thomas. “Students need to focus on positive energy and cheering on our team.”

That being said, twitter isn’t all bad.  Anonymous student fan accounts, such as @bhs_fan, serve as an outlet for fans to get excited for games and show our players some love.

Though the rivalry’s intensity remains in question, most would be sad to see it go.

“I think it’s fantastic as a player, a coach, and a fan.” said Thomas. “I really hope it lives on.”