Welcome to Peve Stadium, the stage for one of Missouri’s most storied high school football rivalries, the Rockhurst Hawklets vs. the Blue Springs Wildcats. This highly anticipated showdown features two of the Show Me state’s most successful programs and will be highlighted in the 23rd season of the Great American Rivalry Series. 

The all-time series record sits at 34-27 in Blue Springs Favor. The Wildcats took last year’s contest with a final score of 38-29. Last year’s contest was action packed, highlighted by a 74-yard scoop and score touchdown from GARS MVP Devin Staley of Blue Springs, along with a Blue Springs pick-six to seal the deal late in the fourth quarter. The 62nd edition of this rivalry is set to be an intense one under the lights of Peve Stadium. 

Both Rockhurst and Blue Springs boast deep football traditions, including multiple state championships and decades of gridiron excellence. Each season, their rivalry draws thousands of fans, and this year promises to be no different. 

Mark your calendars for October 2nd, as more than 5,000 fans are expected to fill the stands in Kansas City for this epic battle. Will Rockhurst reassert its dominance, or will Blue Springs make it three in a row against the Hawklets? 

We Know Friday Nights. 

MVP

Cash Lewandowski
Rockhurst

SCHOLAR ATHLETES

Kade Schmidli

Blue Springs

Kade Schmidli is a two-year starter for the Wildcats as both the short and long snapper, providing consistency at one of the most important positions on the football field. Kade is also an outstanding wrestler who finished just one match away from qualifying for the state tournament. A tremendous student with a 4.262 GPA, Kade is a respected leader for both Wildcat Football and Wrestling. His dedication, reliability, and leadership make him a tremendous weapon and an important part of our Wildcat programs.
Peter Nickson

Rockhurst

Peter has been a three year defensive starter for the football team. He also plays short stop for the baseball team. He will be continuing his education next year playing baseball at Dayton University.

GAME SUMMARY

Rockhurst Head Coach Donohoe had his team ready for the rivalry despite a difficult start to the season and a demanding first-half schedule. The Hawklets entered the game short-handed, with their starting quarterback injured and roughly seven other players sidelined. Coach Donohoe and offensive coordinator Coach Kruse made the most of the personnel available, unveiling a wildcat package built around a “three yards and a cloud of dust” approach. Rockhurst star running back and GARS MVP Cash Lewandowski rose to the occasion, taking direct snaps and rushing for 136 yards and two touchdowns. Blue Springs kept the game close, but Rockhurst’s long, run-heavy drives drained the clock and forced the Wildcats to accelerate their offense. Trailing 21–14 late in the fourth quarter, Blue Springs drove for a potential game-tying score. The Wildcats took a deep shot downfield, but a Rockhurst safety came from seemingly nowhere to secure the interception while barely keeping a toe in bounds. The turnover sealed the outcome: the Hawklets took four kneel-downs to close out a 21–14 victory. The win held special meaning for Coach Donohoe, who spent 20 years of his career coaching at Blue Springs. It was another memorable matchup in the 23rd season of the Great American Rivalry Series.