Welcome to Blakeslee Stadium in Mankato, Minnesota, where 5,500 fans will gather for one of the state’s most emotional and tradition-rich rivalries—The Jug Game between the Mankato East Cougars and the Mankato West Scarlets. 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 22nd 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 21–5 and had long dominated the rivalry, winning 21 straight games. But last season, Mankato East flipped the script with a 35–15 win—snapping the streak and bringing new energy to one of Minnesota’s most passionate showdowns. 

Circle September 12th as the next chapter of The Jug Game is written. Will East start a new streak, or will West reclaim the jug and its grip on the rivalry? 

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