High School Football Means More In Texas
High school football is one of the biggest staples in Texas. Folks here in Texas cherish the fall season just so they can see their beloved high school football team in action.
We have put together a list of some of the best high school football rivalries that the state of Texas has had to offer since the leather helmets!
EL Campo High School vs. Bay City High School
This is one of the oldest high school rivalries in the state of Texas. The rivalry between the Blackcats and the Ricebirds goes as far back as the 1920 and it is still being played to date and it is as heated as ever. For all high school football fans in Texas, this is the game to watch. It is indeed believed that any match pitting these two sides is never short of intrigues, high emotions and drama, which makes it all the more worthy of watching.
Permian High School vs. Lee High School
This is also another rivalry on this list that is very old and goes as far back as the 1960’s. This rivalry is so popular that it was featured in a documentary called Friday Nights in America. The first telecast match of high school football in the state of Texas was between these two teams way back in 2004 and no matter the profile of a match pitting the two sides, the stakes are always raised.
New Braunfels vs. Seguin
Ever since the 1920’s, there two high schools have been playing each other in a rivalry which is fairly friendly in the eyes of the local however, that does not take away the competitiveness of the games when these two lock horns. Over the years, games have been full of friendly wagers where if Seguin win, they get some sausages from New Braunfels and if Seguin loses a game, they send New Braunfels their famous Pecans. Seguin hasn’t had much luck over the years but they are always more determined than ever to get one over their rivals.
Longview vs. Marshall
With plenty of the best and oldest rivalries on this list, the Longview vs. Marshall rivalry was always going to make this list because it has been around for a very long time, 99 plus years to be exact. These two teams are located not far from the Louisiana/ Texas border and the games are as heated as the hot chili. A game between these two is a must-watch east of Texas and the whole area is at a standstill when it’s game time.
La Marque vs. Texas City
For many years, this has been seen by many people as the best high school rivalry in the state and it is very hard to argue that fact. Also known as the battle by the bay, when these two high school football teams meet, the game has passion which can easily been see from players and fans. No one wants to lose this one because bragging rights are at state and each team wants to be the top dog in Galveston County. The willingness to win by any means necessary produces some of the most tasteful games one can ever see not just in Texas but in America.
Nederland vs. Port Neches- Groves
There is never a dull moment when these two high school teams face each other in a game and it is a very good rivalry. What makes this rivalry unique and special is that both schools have what is known spirit on the week that the game is going to be played. During this week, the schools dress up like nerds from each other’s school which adds heat to the affair during game time.
It is hilarious to see and it is done for a bit of fun but that goes out the window when there’s a game to be won to humiliate the opposing team further. Spectators queue up during the night for tickets to this game, that is how special and how much it means to the fans. With 12,000 people in attendance all the time from both teams, the boys make sure they don’t let themselves and anyone by leaving it all on the football field. Despite the pregame rivalry, both sets of fans and the schools have great respect for each other and a great spirit.
Harlandale vs. McCollum
In the lovely city of San Antonio in Texas, the rivalry between the McCollum Cowboys and the Harlandale Indians is one of the most anticipated. These two teams have a record of being the longest-running rivalries for the locals. Separated by just 2 miles, it comes as no surprise that there is a heated rivalry and they are only separated by Pleasanton Roads. The entire community, players and coaches all get involved when it’s time to play the enemy. It is a tremendous spectacle and always attracts a packed crowd each and every time.
Brownwood vs. Stephenville
These two schools are divided by only 61 miles and this is a class that happens each and every season for the last 72 years which is incredible. Both these two school have won a combines 12 state titles between them with Brownwood winning majority of the series up until 1990. In the 1980’s Art Briles started coaching Stephenville and quickly turned things around. Ever since 1990, Stephenville have won 16 of their last 21 meeting which is a very impressive statistic.
Sherman vs. Denison
The last high school rivalry on this list is the one that exists between Sherman and Denison. For the people who go to Denison, the game with Sherman is their biggest game on their football calendar. In the week leading up to the game, everything from burning banners, staying up all night protecting your banner, spying on the other team and dropping rock salt on the other team’s field, happens and it is all in good fun. All these antics add spice to what is always a very good game with both teams wanting the win. No one wants to be on the losing side in any sport and high school football is no exception.
Tyler High vs. Tyler Legacy
Until recently, these two schools were better known as John Tyler High and Robert E. Lee high. This is my personal favorite rivalry. Most likely because I grew up literally within a short walking distance from where these two schools shared Rose Stadium. The stadium is known today as Christus Trinity Mother France Rose Stadium. I still have fond memories from being a kid and walking up to the stadium with my dad each Friday night in the fall. We could literally step outside the front door of our tiny house and hear the high school bands playing during pregame.
Each game between the then John Tyler Lions and the Robert E. Lee Red Raiders was something fierce! It was as real as a cross-town Rivalry could get. There was a serious dislike between these two schools. It was truly what a high school football rivalry was all about!
Since you like high school football rivalries. You might also be interested in the Best Towns to Experience football in Texas!
