The historic rivalry between the Graham G-Men and the Bluefield Beavers is set to ignite once again at Mitchell Stadium on August 25th, marking the 94th meeting between these two powerhouse teams. As part of the 20th season of the Great American Rivalry Series, this clash promises to be nothing short of electrifying.
Dating back to 1911, the Battle of the Bluefields has captivated fans for over a century. The stadium, Mitchell Stadium, will be filled to its 10,000+ capacity, ready to witness this storied rivalry unfold under the Friday night lights. This year’s game holds even more significance as Graham will defend their state champion title, making them the team to beat in the coming season.
Reflecting on the importance of this rivalry, Rick Ford, the founder and CEO of the Great American Rivalry Series, emphasized, “The Graham vs Bluefield matchup is one of those classic high school football rivalries that transcends generations. Both schools show an intensity and grit in this game that’s reminiscent of my days on the field. It’s a testament to the passion and pride these communities have for their teams, and it shows when everyone in town comes out to support their youth. We are thrilled to feature this game as part of our 20th season!“
Last year, Graham edged past Bluefield with a 29-25 victory, securing their second consecutive win in the rivalry. The game’s Most Valuable Player, Ty-Drez Clements, showcased his exceptional skills, leaving a lasting impact on the field. With their recent success, the G-Men will aim to extend their winning streak against the formidable Beavers.
Adding to the intensity, the City of Bluefield will hold a parade for both teams the day before the game, fueling the excitement that surrounds this classic showdown. The passionate fans, decked out in their team colors, will create an electric atmosphere as they cheer on their respective mascots, the Bluefield Beavers and the Graham G-Men.
As the countdown begins to the Battle of the Bluefields, one thing is certain: this clash will deliver an unforgettable spectacle that epitomizes the essence of high school football. Get ready for an epic showdown, because when it comes to the Graham vs Bluefield rivalry, We Know Friday Nights.
MVP
SCHOLAR ATHLETES
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Bluefield
Graham
GAME SUMMARY
In this intense battle between Bluefield and Graham high school football teams, both sides displayed their determination on the field. The G-Men came out and gained an early 7-0 advantage. However, the Beavers managed to level the playing field and tied the game 7-7. The Beavers defense got in the game and added a safety giving the them a halftime lead of 9-7. The second half of this match-up showcased the defensive line from both teams. Stops on both ends of the field proved the determination from both of these state-line rivals for most of the third quarter, but the G-Men capitalized on a deep 3rd down pass for a touchdown on a spectacular catch by game MVP Blake Graham to take a 14-9 lead. Bluefield wasn't done and mounted their best offensive drive of the game that ate up clock on the back of a strong running game to move the ball inside the Graham 10 yard line deep into the 4th quarter. An errant snap ended the drive and the G-Men took with under 5 minutes to play hoping to run out the clock. On a crucial 3rd and long, the G-Men reeled off a critical 40 yard run up the middle for a first down in the Bluefield red zone. With no time outs, Bluefield was forced to watch their rivals assume the victory formation and secure the victory 14-9! The Battle of the Bluefields ended in a record-breaking, historic 3-peat win for the G-men against Bluefield, a first in the series. Once again, the Battle of the Bluefields lived up to its billing as one the best Rivalries in the nation and did not disappoint!
