A new spark has been added to the Lafayette-Marquette football rivalry in the form of a giant blue “M” that was spray-painted on the stadium field. With the two teams set to meet on Oct. 22 in the second week of Districts, the act has created quite a stir throughout the school.

“It’s fuel to the fire. It just gets us more pumped up. [The Mustangs] better be ready,” junior receiver Tyler Manne said.

The marking includes a “7-2”, which is what Marquette’s record would be if they defeat the Lancers. School administrators have not yet identified the culprits, but estimate that it was done sometime between midnight and 2 a.m. In an effort to catch the perpetrators, school officials have reviewed security tapes and will rely on Marquette administrators to conduct any disciplinary action.

“It’s up to the Marquette administration to do the right thing [as far as punishment],” Activities Director Steve Berry said.

“I consider this an act of vandalism. We have district painters on the field fixing,” Shaughnessy said.

Both Berry and Shaughnessy hope that the marking will be removed in time for kickoff at 7 p.m. They have also expressed concern over the spreading of rumors on Facebook.

Meanwhile, Head Football Coach Boyd Manne is doing what he can to make sure that players focus on the game itself. Last week, the Lancers defeated Parkway South and moved into first place in the District standings. With a win against the Mustangs, they would improve to 6-3 and secure a place in Sectionals.

“In rivalries, sometimes you have juvenile behavior. It’s unfortunate that it happened and it adds some spice to the rivalry,” Head Coach Boyd Manne said, “Our kids need to relax and focus on the task. It’s a little extra motivation for them to get going.”

Marquette’s senior quarterback Matt Seevers represents a similar attitude toward the situation, but views it as nothing more than a part of the rivalry.

“It’s awesome. It adds to the rivalry. Lafayette thinks they’ve been better in the past but we’re trying to make it a big old rivalry again. I don’t think there’s anything wrong with it,” he said, “I expect Lafayette to come out and play hard. It will add to both teams to come out and play hard. If they did it to us, I wouldn’t be happy, but I wouldn’t cry over it,” he said.

Whether or not the situation affects the rivalry will be determined when the two teams kick off at 7 p.m. on Oct. 22 at Lafayette.