"Usually, it reaches a point of unfairness where it doesn't pass the stomach test anymore," Pearlman said. "It's just unfair."
Regina Martinez couldn't agree more.
"It's just not right," said the mother of an incoming Los Altos freshman player. "These girls need a voice and they need to learn how to stand up for what is right."
With e-mail lightning she has mobilized team members and their parents. Her efforts led to a meeting with the principal on Aug. 1. The next day he sent Martinez the letter in which he proposed sending the boys team off campus instead.
The parents and the girls have what they think is a better idea. They want everyone--coaches, parents, booster club leaders--to sit down at a table and figure out an equitable schedule.
"If there are conflicts," said player Joanna Valenzuela, 15, "we are willing to change our schedules, anything. There has got to be a solution."
In his letter the principal offered another perk for the girls. They will be allowed to play one afternoon varsity game on the football field.
But Villa and the other senior girls dream of something bigger--a night game.
"It would be so cool if we could play just one game on the football field. One game under lights," Villa said. "We will find a way to pay for the light, if that's what it takes. Just one game that our parents and friends would come to watch."
