Bay City Western and Central’s football teams to be featured in “Rivalry: Battle of the Bay” Documentary

SAGINAW, Mich. (WNEM) - 49 games have been played Bay City Western and Central on the gridiron and for the first time in the series’ history, the world will get an inside look at both programs.

“Rivalry: Battle of the Bay” is a documentary that focuses on the entire week leading up to the 2023 game.

When MLive Director of Audience Gillian Van Stratt came up with the idea, she wanted to choose a rivalry that had a passionate community, fans, and students. That’s when Bay City Western and Central were mentioned.

“We didn’t want to just go to football practices and the game. I really wanted to get in the high schools. I really wanted to have it be also a story of the towns and the high schools and the kids there, not just football. and picking Bay City because it wasn’t just a rivalry that the town still cares about and it just wasn’t a smaller town, it really was a place that opened their doors and said come on it that made it possible,” said Van Stratt.

During the filming of the documentary, the players had all the attention on them and were enjoying every moment of it.

“I don’t think the kids wanted the week to end. We wanted to play the game obviously, but all the experience of getting it filmed and being able to participate in something that is bigger than life maybe helped them realize that it’s like this without the cameras too and to appreciate it.” said Chris Willertz, Bay City Western head football coach.

and when it comes to playing in the Battle of the Bay, it’s a memory that could last a lifetime.

“I’m sure you’ll hear when you watch it that the kids, it’s one of those things where in our community, it’s with you for life. I know somebody who watched many of those games. I’ve coached on both sides of this game, played in this game, that the memories that go along with it, the bragging rights, all of that are pretty high,” said Kevin Frederick, Bay City Central head football coach.

While talking to the community and teams at both schools, one think stuck out Van Stratt.

“I kept trying to get to the bottom of when I interviewed people is like, “What is it about Bay City that people come back?” That people raise their kids here, that people can say, “I a third-generation Central player and I’m playing fullback just like my dad, just like my grandpa.” You don’t find that everywhere.”

And with the premiere this Saturday, Van Stratt is excited for both teams to see themselves on the big screen.

“The think that is going to be really special is that not just for me and the people that worked on it, but to see the kids get to watch themselves on a movie theater screen, is going to be pretty sweet.”

“Rivalry: Battle by the Bay” premieres Saturday, April 13th at Bay City Cinemas at 5 and 7 PM.

Click here to buy tickets.