St. Rita vs Providence Catholic (IL)

The 2026 Chicago high school football season opened with a big-time matchup as the No. 10 Providence Catholic Celtics traveled to take on the No. 14 St. Rita Mustangs in the always intense Battle of the Augustinians. The Celtics took control of the game early, as they used a powerful run game to jump out to a 14-0 first quarter lead on the back of Brayden McKay, who punched in the first two scores of the game. St. Rita bounced back to start the 2nd quarter, as QB John Fennell found TJ Burgos for a 35-yard touchdown to cut the deficit in half. Providence Catholic would respond just before half, as they continued to pound the ball on the ground, with RB, and eventual game MVP, Broden Mackert finding the endzone for his first touchdown of the game to give the Celtics a 21-7 lead at halftime. After a 3rd quarter that featured multiple defensive stops, St. Rita entered the 4th quarter with a high intensity as they aimed to stage a comeback. A long drive ended with Brandon Johnson Jr. finding pay dirt to cut the lead to one score. Providence Catholic looked to put the game away on their next possession, but the Mustangs special teams stepped up and stopped a fake punt attempt to take over on the 37-yard line. The St. Rita offense immediately rewarded the stop as John Fennell again found TJ Burgos for a passing touchdown on their first play to tie the game at 21. With the game tied, the Celtics responded when it mattered most. Providence Catholic marched down the field using their rushing attack, with Broden Mackert finding the endzone for what proved to be the game winning touchdown. St. Rita rushed down the field, but their last-ditch effort fell just short, as the Providence Catholic defense intercepted a 4th down pass with 30 seconds left to seal the victory. In a game that featured huge momentum swings, big plays, and a dramatic fourth quarter, Providence Catholic came away with a 28–21 victory to start the season 1–0.The 2026 Chicago high school football season opened with a big-time matchup as the No. 10 Providence Catholic Celtics traveled to take on the No. 14 St. Rita Mustangs in the always intense Battle of the Augustinians. The Celtics took control of the game early, as they used a powerful run game to jump out to a 14-0 first quarter lead on the back of Brayden McKay, who punched in the first two scores of the game. St. Rita bounced back to start the 2nd quarter, as QB John Fennell found TJ Burgos for a 35-yard touchdown to cut the deficit in half. Providence Catholic would respond just before half, as they continued to pound the ball on the ground, with RB, and eventual game MVP, Broden Mackert finding the endzone for his first touchdown of the game to give the Celtics a 21-7 lead at halftime. After a 3rd quarter that featured multiple defensive stops, St. Rita entered the 4th quarter with a high intensity as they aimed to stage a comeback. A long drive ended with Brandon Johnson Jr. finding pay dirt to cut the lead to one score. Providence Catholic looked to put the game away on their next possession, but the Mustangs special teams stepped up and stopped a fake punt attempt to take over on the 37-yard line. The St. Rita offense immediately rewarded the stop as John Fennell again found TJ Burgos for a passing touchdown on their first play to tie the game at 21. With the game tied, the Celtics responded when it mattered most. Providence Catholic marched down the field using their rushing attack, with Broden Mackert finding the endzone for what proved to be the game winning touchdown. St. Rita rushed down the field, but their last-ditch effort fell just short, as the Providence Catholic defense intercepted a 4th down pass with 30 seconds left to seal the victory. In a game that featured huge momentum swings, big plays, and a dramatic fourth quarter, Providence Catholic came away with a 28–21 victory to start the season 1–0.

Maryville vs Alcoa (TN)

The Alcoa Tornadoes secured a thrilling 43–42 double-overtime victory on the road against their crosstown rival, the Maryville Rebels, in another historic installment of the Battle of Pistol Creek, one of 100 games featured in the Great American Rivalry Series. The Rebels fought hard to protect their home turf after Alcoa struck first with a rushing touchdown to make it 7-0 early. Alcoa led for the majority of the first half until Maryville quarterback Will Jones threw a touchdown pass to sophomore receiver Reese Gardner with just 15 seconds remaining, tying the game 14-14 going into halftime. Late in the second half, Alcoa took a 28-21 lead, but the Rebels answered again with a late fourth-quarter touchdown drive to tie the game at 28 and push it into overtime. At this point, Alcoa was playing without star quarterback Thomas Manu, who had been forced to leave the game due to an injury. Despite the setback, the Tornadoes’ backup quarterback came in and matched Maryville score-for-score through the end of regulation and the first overtime period. In the second overtime, Maryville found the end zone first, but Manu returned to the field and, under heavy defensive pressure, scrambled out of the pocket and launched a game-winning two-point conversion pass to Haynes Hawkins in the back of the end zone. The decision to bypass a tying extra-point kick paid off, securing Alcoa’s third consecutive victory in this storied crosstown rivalry, 43-42.

 Kathleen vs Lakeland (FL)

Lakeland opened the 2026 season with a 47–0 victory over Kathleen on August 21 at Kathleen High School. The Dreadnaughts established control early, using a balanced offensive attack and a defense that kept the Red Devils from finding the end zone. Lakeland’s offense totaled 207 passing yards and 54 rushing yards, while its defense limited Kathleen’s opportunities throughout the night. Kathleen continued to compete as the game progressed but was unable to generate enough offense to close the gap. With both teams playing their first game of the season, the matchup provided an early opportunity to evaluate each team’s execution, physicality, and overall performance as the season gets underway.

 Mary Carroll vs Gregory-Portland (TX)

Welcome to Buccaneer Stadium in Corpus Christi, Texas, the site of one of the Lone Star State's most heated rivalries—the "Battle of the Bridge" between the Mary Carroll Tigers and the Gregory-Portland Wildcats. Since the first meeting in 1971, these two programs have built a tradition fueled by pride, passion, and playoff implications. This year's matchup will be featured in the 23rd season of the Great American Rivalry Series, spotlighting over 100 of the nation's most intense high school football showdowns. 

In 2025, Gregory-Portland dominated Mary Carroll with a commanding 60-0 victory, adding more fuel to this already fiery rivalry. 

Circle your calendars for August 27th, when 9,000 fans will pack Buccaneer Stadium for another epic clash. Can Gregory-Portland continue to dominate, or will Mary Carroll flip the script and reignite the rivalry? 

Tullahoma vs Coffee County (TN)

Welcome to W.C. 'Dub' Cooper Field, where the Tullahoma High School Wildcats will host the traveling Coffee County Red Raiders of Coffee County High School in the historic "Coffee Pot Rivalry." In a rivalry that dates back to 1924, this Tennessee matchup is one of over 100 featured games in the 23rd season of the Great American Rivalry Series. 

Currently, Tullahoma holds the edge in the all-time series, but every meeting in this 15-mile rivalry brings renewed intensity as both programs battle for the coveted Coffee Pot trophy. The rivalry began with early postgame celebrations that led to goalposts being torn down, eventually inspiring the creation of the trophy that now defines the series. Both programs have enjoyed strong postseason success, building proud traditions and competitive football cultures on both sides. 

Mark your calendar for August 28th, as more than 6,000 fans will be on the edge of their seats for the next installment of the "Coffee Pot Rivalry." 

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Atlantic Coast vs Mandarin (FL)

Welcome to Stingray Bay, where the Atlantic Coast High School Stingrays will host the traveling Mandarin High School Mustangs. In a competitive Northeast Florida rivalry, this matchup is one of over 100 featured games in the 23rd season of the Great American Rivalry Series. 

Currently, Mandarin has controlled the series in recent years with a dominant stretch of performances over Atlantic Coast. In their most recent matchup, the Mustangs earned a convincing 54-16 victory, highlighted by an explosive rushing attack and strong special teams play from Brysen Wright and Shaunqueze Foster. Historically, Mandarin has often dictated the series with multiple high-scoring wins and shutout-level defensive efforts. 

Both programs continue to build strong football identities in the Jacksonville area, with playoff aspirations and dynamic playmakers shaping each season. 

Mark your calendar for August 28th, for the 2026 edition of this rivalry, as fans will be on the edge of their seats for another installment of Atlantic Coast vs. Mandarin. 

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West Jones vs Laurel (MS)

Welcome to Mustang Stadium, where the West Jones Mustangs will host the traveling Laurel Golden Tornadoes. In a rivalry that began in 1981, this Mississippi matchup is one of over 100 featured games in the 22nd season of the Great American Rivalry Series. 

Currently, Laurel is in control of the series with an 18-win advantage over West Jones. However, the Mustangs have made the rivalry one of the state's most competitive matchups, with both programs enjoying postseason success and frequently competing for district championships. Known as "Hicks vs. Slicks," this rivalry has become one of the premier showdowns in South Mississippi. In recent years, reclassification has turned the matchup into a highly anticipated early-season contest, with West Jones competing in Class 6A and Laurel in Class 5A. 

Mark your calendar for August 28th, as thousands of fans will be on the edge of their seats for another exciting installment of the "Hicks vs. Slicks" rivalry. 

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El Paso vs Austin (TX)

Welcome to R.R. Jones Stadium, where the El Paso High Tigers will host the traveling Austin Panthers. In a rivalry that began in 1930, this Texas matchup is one of over 100 featured games in the 23rd season of the Great American Rivalry Series. 

Currently, Austin is in control of the rivalry, having won the last two meetings, including a 42-13 victory over El Paso High last season. Known as the "Battle of the Claw," this rivalry is the oldest football rivalry in El Paso and the fourth-oldest in the state of Texas. Since 1960, the winner has claimed possession of "The Claw," a traveling trophy representing the Tiger and Panther mascots. Generations of players, students, and alumni have made this one of the Borderland's most celebrated football traditions. 

Mark your calendar for August 28th, as thousands of fans will be on the edge of their seats for another thrilling installment of the "Battle of the Claw." 

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San Marcos vs Hays (TX)

Welcome to Rattler Stadium, where the San Marcos Rattlers are set to host the Hays Hawks. In a historic rivalry that began in 2009, this Texas matchup is one of over 100 featured games in the 23rd season of the Great American Rivalry Series. 

In their last 17 meetings, these two programs have been very competitive, with San Marcos owning an 9-8 edge over Hays. However, in their most recent matchup, the Rattlers won an offensive shoot-out 62-49 in 2021. Hays will be looking to avenge their loss and tie up the all-time series 

Mark your calendar for August 28th, as 6,000 fans anxiously await another installment of this great rivalry! 

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Sycamore vs Mason (OH)

Welcome to Sycamore Stadium, where the Sycamore High School Aviators will host the traveling Mason Comets of William Mason High School. In the historic "Battle of the Skies," this Ohio matchup is one of over 100 featured games in the 23rd season of the Great American Rivalry Series. 

Currently, Mason has controlled the series in recent years, earning decisive victories over Sycamore, including a 48-6 win and a 29-7 rout. The rivalry has also produced unforgettable moments, including Mason's 30-27 overtime victory in 2018 on a 42-yard field goal and a thrilling 43-40 shootout in 2021. Separated by just six miles, these Greater Miami Conference rivals annually battle for the traveling trophy and often for playoff positioning. 

Both programs have enjoyed consistent success, making the "Battle of the Skies" one of Southwest Ohio's premier high school football rivalries. 

Mark your calendar for August 28th, as fans will be on the edge of their seats for another installment of the "Battle of the Skies." 

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Lawton Eisenhower vs Lawton (OK)

Welcome to Cameron Stadium, where the Lawton High Wolverines will host the traveling Lawton Eisenhower Eagles. In a rivalry that began in the mid-1960s, this Oklahoma matchup is one of over 100 featured games in the 23rd season of the Great American Rivalry Series. 

Currently, Lawton High is in control of the series with a 37-28 all-time record over Lawton Eisenhower. However, the rivalry has remained one of the fiercest in Southwest Oklahoma, with both programs trading victories in recent seasons. Last season, the Wolverines turned in a dominant 42-6 victory over the Eagles, reclaiming city bragging rights in one of Oklahoma's premier intra-city rivalries. 

Mark your calendar for August 28th, as thousands of fans will be on the edge of their seats for another exciting installment of the Lawton City Rivalry. 

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 Estancia vs Costa Mesa (CA)

Welcome to Jim Scott Stadium, where the Estancia Eagles will host the traveling Costa Mesa Mustangs. In the highly competitive "Battle of the Bell" rivalry, this California matchup is one of over 100 featured games in the 23rd season of the Great American Rivalry Series.  

The Estancia Eagles and Costa Mesa Mustangs have built a fierce, physical rivalry that often carries playoff implications. In their 2025 meeting, Estancia earned a 29-21 narrow victory during their 4-0 start last season.  

Both programs have continued to establish strong football identities in California, with playoff aspirations and standout performances shaping their recent success.  

Mark your calendar for August 28th, as more than 2,000 fans will be on the edge of their seats for another installment of the "Battle of the Bell" rivalry.  

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