The Abilene Eagles and Abilene Cooper Cougars face off in the Crosstown Showdown at Shotwell Stadium on September 6, 2024, as part of the 21st season of the Great American Rivalry Series. Since 1961, this iconic rivalry has seen 64 meetings, with Cooper leading the all-time series 36-26-1. However, Abilene dominated the last encounter, winning 26-7. 

With 12,000 fans expected, this game will be a spectacle of local pride and fierce competition. The Crosstown Showdown is more than a football game—it’s a cherished tradition that unites the community and showcases the best of high school sports. 

We Know Friday Nights

  

MVP

Brayden Henry
Abilene

SCHOLAR ATHLETES

Shetonde Polepole

Abilene

Shetonde is a 3-year letterman on the varsity football team. He is an All-District Offensive Lineman, serves as a Team Captain, serves as a member of the National Honor Society, FCA Officer and a member of the Youth Team at Free Methodist Church. He is undecided on which college he will attend at this time but plans to become an Aerospace Engineer.
Matthew Henson

Abilene Cooper

Matthew has excelled on the field and in the classroom the last 4 years. After high school he plans to continue his education and pursue an engineering degree at either Baylor University or the University of Texas at Austin. Presenting the award is Sergeant D’Souza, Congratulations Matthew!!

GAME SUMMARY

In Abilene, Texas, the annual “Crosstown Showdown” game was an absolute battle between the Abilene Eagles and Abilene Cooper Cougars. The two teams faced off once again in the 21st season of the Great American Rivalry Series at Shotwell Stadium. Since 1961 this fiery rivalry has showcased tradition and competitive spirit to see which team goes home with bragging rights for the year. In an exciting game from start to finish, neither team was hesitant to get their offense going, as Abilene rushed in a 25-yard touchdown to start the game and Cooper rushed in one of their own. Abilene and Cooper ended the first quarter in a close game 14-7. The second quarter saw Abilene and Cooper continue to battle. The Eagles answered first, throwing a touchdown to take a 21-7 lead. On the very next drive the Cougars punched on in themselves, ending the half 21-14. During the third quarter, the Eagles put their air-raid offense on display. They threw a touchdown to get things started while Cooper ran one in and missed their point after attempt. Going into the fourth quarter the score was 28-20. The Cougars fought hard to try and make a come-back. As they trailed 35-27, the defense managed to jar the football out allowing the Cougars to scoop and score with 7 minutes left. The Cougars were still not done yet, as they recovered another fumble during the kickoff to help put the Cougars in position to run it in for 6. The Cougars tried to go for the 2 point conversion and were unable to get it, making the score 35-33. In the end, Abilene’s offense was too much. The Eagles defeated the Cougars 42-33.