Week #5

September 18

Mankato West vs Mankato East

Minnesota

Welcome to Blakeslee Stadium in Mankato, Minnesota, where 6,000 fans will gather for one of the state’s most emotional and tradition-rich rivalries—The Jug Game between the Mankato West Scarlets and the Mankato East Cougars. First played in 1974, the rivalry ignited just two years later in 1976 when the schools officially split, sparking a fierce cross-town battle that has only grown more intense with time. This year’s matchup will be featured in the 23rd season of the Great American Rivalry Series, honoring over 100 of the nation’s greatest high school football rivalries.

Mankato West leads the all-time series 21–6 and had long dominated the rivalry, winning 21 straight games at one point. But the last two seasons have told a different story, Mankato East flipped the script yet with a 35–15 win in 2024 and a 28-7 win last year as they start their own streak and bring new energy to one of Minnesota’s most passionate showdowns.

Circle September 19th as the next chapter of The Jug Game is written. Will East continue its streak, or will West reclaim the jug and its grip on the rivalry?

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St. Xavier vs Moeller

Ohio

Welcome to RDI Stadium, where the Saint Xavier Bombers will host their longtime rival the Moeller Crusaders. In a rivalry that began in 1962, this historic Ohio matchup will be one of over 100 featured games in the 23rd season of the Great American Rivalry Series.

Moeller has been in control of this series, leading 49-26-1 over the Bombers of Saint Xavier and they’ve proved it with 3 straight season sweeps of regular season and playoff meetings from 2022-2024. However, they couldn’t pull off another sweep last season, as Saint Xavier pulled out a 17-13 win in their OHSAA Division I Regional Semifinal matchup, thanks to a 92-yard game-winning drive. Every season, the Moeller–St. Xavier matchup carries league championship implications and frequently serves as a postseason preview. The rivalry has also featured numerous Division I college recruits and future NFL players, like Hall of Fame Linebacker Luke Kuechly (Saint Xavier) and former Cincinnati Bengals Defensive End Sam Hubbard (Moeller).

Mark your calendar for Friday, September 18th, as 6,500 fans will anxiously watch this storied Ohio football showdown.

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Glenbard South vs Glenbard East

Illinois

Welcome to Memorial Field, where the Glenbard East Rams will host the Glenbard South Raiders in a DuPage County rivalry that has become a staple of Illinois high school football. This matchup is one of over 100 featured games in the 23rd season of the Great American Rivalry Series.

Separated by only a few miles, these neighboring programs have built a rivalry fueled by community pride and conference implications. Glenbard East traces its history back to the original Glenbard High School, while Glenbard South has established itself as a consistent contender in Illinois football since opening in 1972.

Both schools have produced numerous collegiate athletes and have enjoyed postseason success throughout their histories. The annual meeting often draws one of the largest crowds of the season as former classmates, neighbors, and family members find themselves on opposite sidelines.

Mark your calendar for September 18th, as approximately 2,000 fans will gather to witness another installment of this DuPage County showdown.

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Sun Prairie East vs Sun Prairie West

Wisconsin

Welcome to Bank of Sun Prairie Stadium at Ashley Field, where the Sun Prairie East Cardinals will host the Sun Prairie West Wolves in one of Wisconsin’s newest yet fastest-growing rivalries. This crosstown showdown is one of over 100 featured games in the 23rd season of the Great American Rivalry Series.

Born in 2022 following the opening of Sun Prairie West High School, this rivalry immediately became one of the state’s most anticipated matchups. After years of competing as one program, former teammates suddenly found themselves on opposite sidelines, creating an emotional and highly competitive atmosphere unlike any other in Wisconsin. Coaches and players from both schools circled the inaugural meeting long before the season began, recognizing the significance of dividing one proud football tradition into two.

Sun Prairie East claimed the inaugural meeting in 2022 and has controlled much of the early series, including a 37-13 victory last season. Despite the rivalry’s young age, both schools compete in the highly competitive Badger Large Conference and have quickly established themselves as annual playoff contenders. The Cardinals continue the tradition of one of Wisconsin’s most successful programs, while the Wolves have rapidly built an identity of their own.

Mark your calendar for September 18th, as nearly 2,000 fans will fill Bank of Sun Prairie Stadium for another chapter in one of Wisconsin’s fastest-growing rivalries.

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Wauwatosa East vs Wauwatosa West

Wisconsin

Welcome to Hart Park Stadium in Wisconsin, where 2,500 fans will gather for the “Battle for Tosa” between the Wauwatosa East Red Raiders and the Wauwatosa West Trojans. First played in 2011, this crosstown rivalry has quickly become a fall tradition and will be featured in the 23rd season of the Great American Rivalry Series, highlighting over 100 of the nation’s greatest high school football matchups.

Across 13 total meetings, Wauwatosa West leads the all-time series 12–2, controlling the rivalry since its inception. Last season was no different as the Trojans took home a 21-7 victory. The East Raiders will look to get back on track this year as the stage is set for this year’s highly anticipated rematch.

Circle September 19th on your calendar as these two neighborhood rivals collide once again with high stakes on the line. Will West build on their dominance, or will East shine again?

We Know Friday Nights.