Tranquillity principal Jeremy Nichols, in an attempt to reverse eroding relations between the Tigers and rival Mendota, has arranged a dinner tonight that will bring together the junior varsity and varsity football teams, in addition to cheerleaders, at his school's cafeteria.

"In the past," Nichols says, "there has always been a rivalry between these two schools, and in recent years, there have been numerous activities that have crossed the line. . . "

It would be unfair to equate the Bullard-Edison football rivalry with this a day before they will play at Chukchansi Park. But it is accurate to say a volley of harsh words among administrators, coaches and players following their game last year at McLane was embarrassing for the Fresno Unified School District. So maybe they should be taking