Week #9

Phoebus vs Hampton

Virginia

Welcome to Darling Stadium, where the Phoebus Phantoms will face off against the Hampton Crabbers in a Virginia football showdown. In a historically competitive rivalry that began in 1975, these two teams have battled 75 times, including postseason play. Currently, this matchup is incredibly tight, with Phoebus holding a narrow 38–37 lead over Hampton. This game is one of over 100 featured matchups in the 22nd season of the Great American Rivalry Series. 

Both programs have been extremely successful on the gridiron, winning multiple state titles, each including the Phantoms’ state championship victory in the 2024 season. Hampton will look to avenge their performances against Phoebus last season, in a series that was completely controlled by the Phantoms. In their last matchup, Phoebus defeated Hampton in a dominant 42–0 shutout. Although Hampton struggled in their two meetings with the Phantoms, they still recorded an impressive 10–4 season. 

Mark your calendar for October 16th, as 8,000 fans will pile into Darling Stadium to watch another battle between these two historic programs. 

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Hartford vs Rutland

Vermont

Welcome to Alumni Stadium in White River Junction, Vermont, where 1,500 fans will gather for one of the Green Mountain State’s most competitive and closely fought rivalries between the Hartford Hurricanes and the Rutland Raiders. First played in 1970, this showdown has delivered over five decades of Friday night drama and will be featured in the 22nd season of the Great American Rivalry Series, celebrating over 100 of the nation’s greatest high school football rivalries. 

After 50 total meetings, the all-time series stands deadlocked at 25–25, a testament to just how evenly matched these two programs have been. Hartford took the last meeting with a 21–7 victory, but Rutland enters this year’s game with confidence, having won two of the last three matchups, determined to tilt the rivalry back in their favor. 

Circle October 17th on your calendar as the Hurricanes and Raiders meet once again to break the tie. Will Hartford pull ahead, or will Rutland reclaim momentum? 

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Harrisburg vs Brandon Valley

South Dakota

Welcome to Tiger Stadium in Harrisburg, South Dakota, where 3,000 fans will gather for one of the state’s newest but fiercely contested rivalries between the Harrisburg Tigers and the Brandon Valley Lynx. First played in 2014, this matchup quickly became a highlight on the South Dakota high school football calendar and will be featured in the 22nd season of the Great American Rivalry Series, showcasing over 100 of the nation’s greatest high school football rivalries. 

Since 2014, Brandon Valley has built a 9–4 series lead, including last year’s 21–7 victory that snapped a four-game losing streak to Harrisburg. Before that skid, the Lynx had dominated early in the rivalry, winning the first eight consecutive matchups—a stretch that helped shape this young but passionate series. 

Circle October 17th on your calendar as these two programs collide again under the Friday night lights. Will Harrisburg start a new streak, or will Brandon Valley keep momentum on their side? 

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Blue Springs vs Blue Springs South

Missouri

Welcome to Blue Springs Stadium in Blue Springs, Missouri, where the 35th meeting of the infamous “Cat Clash” is set to take place between the Blue Springs High School Wildcats and the Jaguars of Blue Springs South. This Missouri high school football rivalry embodies passion, grit, and community pride, delivering unforgettable moments since its inception in 1994. This storied matchup will be featured in the 22nd season of the Great American Rivalry Series. 

The two schools have squared off 34 times, with Blue Springs holding the all-time series lead at 21–13. However, momentum currently favors the Jaguars, who are coming off a thrilling 30–20 win last season and have won five straight in the rivalry. 

Mark your calendars for October 17th, when 6,000 fans will pack the stands, their pride split down the middle, for one of the most intense high school football rivalries in the state. Will the Jaguars extend their streak to six, or will the Wildcats reclaim control of the series? 

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Round Rock vs Westwood

Texas

Welcome to Dr. R.L. Peters Jr. Field at Dragon Stadium — home of the Round Rock Dragons — where 8,800 fans will pack the stands to watch Round Rock High School host the Westwood Warriors in the 47th meeting of the “Battle for the Bell.” This game is one of over 100 featured matchups in the 22nd season of the Great American Rivalry Series. 

This historic rivalry dates back to 1981, when Round Rock High School split into two schools, igniting a fierce Texas football showdown. The bell played for was originally a railroad bell housed in the original Round Rock High School and has since become the coveted trophy in this annual clash. 

Round Rock leads the all-time series 25–21, having won the last seven meetings — including last year’s 37–7 victory on the road. 

Fans are encouraged to mark their calendars for October 17 at 7:00 PM, as another chapter in this intense rivalry is written. Round Rock looks to make it eight straight wins, while Westwood hopes to get back on track and earn its 22nd victory in the series. 

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Southwest Legacy vs Southwest

Texas

Welcome to Southwest Legacy Stadium in San Antonio, Texas for the 2025 Fire and Armor Bowl. The Dragons of Southwest High School travel to take on the Titans of Southwest Legacy High School. The 2025 matchup will be the 8th in the school’s histories and is one of over 100 featured in the 22nd season of the Great American Rivalry Series. 

This back-and-forth rivalry began in 2018, where Southwest leads the series 4-3. The Dragons secured the last three games, after the Titans took three of the first four.  

Last season’s matchup saw Southwest triumph over the Titans in front of their home crowd, 41-13. Southwest completed a perfect 10-0 regular season, before falling in the third round of the 5A Texas state playoffs. Legacy finished an impressive 7-3 regular season in 2024, including a 5A Texas state championship run. 

Mark your calendars for _____ as 2,800 fans are expected to pack Southwest Legacy Stadium to see if the Titans can turn the side in the series and even things at four apiece. 

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Penn Hills vs North Hills

Pennsylvania

Welcome to Yuhas-McGinley Stadium, where the North Hills Indians travel to face the Penn Hills Indians. A rivalry that began in the 1970s, it remains one of the premier matchups in the 22nd season of the Great American Rivalry Series. 

Since 2004, Penn Hills has controlled the series, winning 10 of the last 13 matchups. NFL legend Aaron Donald (Rams) once played in this rivalry during his time at Penn Hills. Last season, Penn Hills prevailed in the “Battle of the Hills,” recording a 27–10 road victory against North Hills. Penn Hills was led by running back Naytel Mitchell, who ran for 100 yards and a touchdown. Although North Hills was unable to defeat Penn Hills, they still had a very successful season, finishing with an 8–3 record. 

Mark your calendar for October 17, as over 2,000 fans are expected to attend and support their respective teams in this storied Pennsylvania rivalry. 

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Page vs Grimsley

North Carolina

Welcome to Marion Kirby Stadium in North Carolina, where 5,000 fans will pack the stands for one of Greensboro’s most anticipated rivalries between the Page Pirates and the Grimsley Whirlies. First played in 1958, this storied matchup has engaged the city with pride for generations and will be featured in the 22nd season of the Great American Rivalry Series, showcasing over 100 of the nation’s greatest high school football games. 

Since 2004, the two schools have met 21 times, with Page holding a narrow 12–9 series edge during that stretch. But momentum has shifted in recent years—Grimsley has won six straight, including last season’s commanding 54–7 victory, after Page had previously rattled off 12 consecutive wins of their own. Adding to the rivalry’s legacy, Grimsley alum DJ Reader (Bengals) once set foot in this rivalry before making his impact on Sunday’s in the NFL. 

Circle October 17th on your calendar as these crosstown foes clash once again. Will Page reclaim past glory, or can Grimsley keep their streak and roll on? 

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Hoover vs Thompson

Alabama

Welcome to “The Met,” where the Hoover Buccaneers will host the Thompson Warriors in what promises to be a thriller. In a rivalry that began in 2014, this matchup is one of over 100 featured games in the 22nd season of the Great American Rivalry Series. 

In their first 17 meetings, Thompson holds a one-game advantage over Hoover with a 9–8 lead. However, last season the Buccaneers won an overtime thriller, 27–26, following a blocked extra point that fueled their victory. These two programs have produced a wealth of talent—Hoover being the alma mater of All-Pro cornerback Marlon Humphrey (Ravens), and Thompson the alma mater of projected 2026 first-round pick Peter Woods (Clemson). 

Mark your calendar for October 17th, as over 7,000 fans eagerly await another Alabama football showdown. 

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Farmingdale vs Massapequa

New York

Welcome to Don Snyder Stadium, where the stage is set for another battle between the Farmingdale Dalers and the Massapequa Chiefs. This New York matchup is one of over 100 featured games in the 22nd season of the Great American Rivalry Series. 

Since 2004, these two programs have faced off 29 times, with Farmingdale currently holding a 19–10 advantage in the series. However, last season, Massapequa was able to sweep the Dalers with wins in both the regular season and postseason. When the two teams met in the conference championship game, it was nothing short of a thriller. Massapequa defeated Farmingdale 35–34 in overtime by converting a fourth-down attempt to score the winning touchdown. 

Mark your calendar for October 18th, as over 1,000 fans will pack the stands for another installment of this rivalry. 

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Eleanor Roosevelt vs Bowie

Maryland

Welcome to Roosevelt Stadium in Greenbelt, Maryland, where 3,500 fans will gather for one of Prince George’s County’s most storied showdowns between the Eleanor Roosevelt Raiders and the Bowie Bulldogs. First played in 1976, this rivalry has built nearly five decades of passion, pride, and unforgettable Friday nights. This year’s matchup will be featured in the 22nd season of the Great American Rivalry Series, honoring over 100 of the nation’s greatest high school football rivalries. 

Roosevelt has dominated the series, holding a commanding 43–7 advantage in 50 total meetings and entering this year on a four-game winning streak, including last season’s 36–8 victory. Former Bowie standout Christian Haynes was recently drafted in the 3rd round of the 2024 NFL Draft to the Seattle Seahawks, adding to the long list of talent that has played in this rivalry. 

Circle October 18th on your calendar as the Raiders and Bulldogs meet once again. Can Bowie flip the script, or will Roosevelt extend its run? 

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King College Prep vs Walter Payton College Prep

Illinois

Welcome to Amos Alonzo Stagg Stadium, where 3,500 fans are expected to witness a brand-new chapter in Chicago high school football as the King College Prep Jaguars take on the Payton College Prep Grizzlies. For the first time in history, these two competitive programs will meet on the gridiron, kicking off what could become one of the city's next great rivalries. 

This highly anticipated matchup, set for October 18th, brings together two schools known for their academic excellence and rising athletic traditions. Both King and Payton have built strong reputations across Chicago's prep sports scene, and now they'll finally settle the score on the field for the very first time. 

Fans can expect plenty of energy, pride, and anticipation as the Jaguars and Grizzlies battle under the lights at Stagg Stadium in a matchup that could mark the start of something special. Will the Jaguars or the Grizzlies write the first chapter in this promising rivalry? 

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