In a showdown etched in recent history, the Bowling Green Purples host the South Warren Spartans in the 21st season of the Great American Rivalry Series at Purples Field in BGHS Stadium on October 18. Since their inaugural clash in 2017, this rivalry has been defined by thrilling matchups and narrow margins. 

With Bowling Green holding a slight 7-5 series edge, last year’s 36-29 victory showcased their explosive offense and tenacious defense. The Purples struck early with an 80-yard touchdown and crucial blocked field goal, setting the tone for a fiercely contested battle. 

As 7,500 passionate fans fill the stands, the anticipation is palpable for another chapter in this intense rivalry. With half of their meetings decided by a touchdown or less, expect nothing short of a gripping contest under the Friday night lights. 

We Know Friday Nights

  

MVP

Colton Veltkamp
South Warren

SCHOLAR ATHLETES

Eli Kries

Bowling Green

Eli is two-year Letterman for Football, Baseball and Bowling all while being a member of the BGHS Band and Orchestra. He is heavily involved in Beta Club and volunteer for ministry. Eli has been All A's Honors and KHSAA 1st Team Academic All-State all four years.
Parker Smith

South Warren

Parker is not only an outstanding student-athlete, he is also a tremendous individual off the field and within the community. Parker continuously leads and displays attributes we want others to show. Parker plans to further his education next year and attend WKU upon graduation.

GAME SUMMARY

It was an intense shootout between the two 5A powerhouses that came down to the wire in Bowling Green, Kentucky for the first edition of the Great American Rivalry Series in the area. There were tons of close battles across the region, but this matchup between two state title contenders was one you didn't want to miss. The game was described as a defensive-led first half followed by a wild second half. South Warren Spartans put points up on the scoreboard first with a scrambling touchdown run by starting quarterback Bryce Button for a score of 7-0. The Bowling Green Purples found a way to respond on the defensive side with a interception to set their offense led by senior quarterback Deuce Bailey. To spark momentum, Deuce Bailey throws a contested jump ball to his star target wide receiver, Trevy Barber for an unreal catch in the endzone to tie the game at 7-7 going into halftime. Following halftime, Spartans defense force a 37-yard field goal for BG to put the Purples up 10-7 in the third quarter. To answer, SW complete a short pass to eventual MVP #3 Colton Veltkamp who broke multiple tackles and made his way to the endzone, putting the Spartans up 14-10. However, it didn't take long for Deuce Bailey and Purples offense to find their way back to the endzone with a wide open connection to CJ Sweeney down the field for a long touchdown run to put them back on top 17-14 going into the forurth quarter. The fourth quarter was an absolute show as SW Spartans regain the lead with four minutes left that the Purples just couldn't answer to as they missed their final opportunity to convert a fourth down on offense late in the fourth, that left the Spartans on top with a final score of 28-24, and first win over the Purples since 2021.