Welcome to Blakeslee Stadium in Mankato, Minnesota, where 6,000 fans will gather for one of the state’s most emotional and tradition-rich rivalries—The Jug Game between the Mankato West Scarlets and the Mankato East Cougars. 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 23rd 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 21–6 and had long dominated the rivalry, winning 21 straight games at one point. But the last two seasons have told a different story, Mankato East flipped the script yet with a 35–15 win in 2024 and a 28-7 win last year as they start their own streak and bring new energy to one of Minnesota’s most passionate showdowns. 

Circle September 19th as the next chapter of The Jug Game is written. Will East continue its streak, or will West reclaim the jug and its grip on the rivalry? 

We Know Friday Nights.