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The McKinley Panthers have won 8 straight in the “Downtown Showdown” against bitter rival Friendship Capitol. Capitol will be looking to bounce back from a disappointing 2017 season and what better way to do that than with a win over McKinley.

The Panthers and Lions have been playing each other since 1950. Although McKinley has dominated the series recently, Capitol still holds the overall series lead, 35-32-3. Will Capitol break their recent hoodoo against McKinley and further extend that lead. Or will McKinley continue its dominance?

MVP

Diyon Woods

Friendship Capitol

SCHOLAR ATHLETES

Diyon Woods

Friendship Capitol

Diyon is a two year letterman on the Friendship Capitol football team. Diyon is also a member of the track team. Diyon scored a 21 on his ACT and is currently holding a 3.96 GPA. Diyon plans to attend college after graduation.

Evan Jupiter

McKinley

Evan is an aspiring senior at McKinley high and a honor roll student with cumulative G.P.A 4.125. Evan currently has memberships with National Honors Society and Kappa League and currently a participant in the Baton Rouge Youth Coalition. He has also received recognition from the Superintended, Principal and Dean’s list for his academic achievements. Evan is currently reviewing college options, where he plans to pursue a degree in physical therapy or Sports management.

HALL OF FAME

Roman Bates

Friendship Capitol

Coach Roman Bates, a former Southern University football star in the 1950s, compiled a 225-158-6 record in 35 seasons at Capitol. He led the Lions the Class 4A title game 1999. Coach bates was inducted into the Louisiana Hall of Fame in 2017.

David White

McKinley

David White played football and ran track for Mckinley High all four years and graduated in 2013. He received a scholarship to play football at the University of Arkansas Pine Bluff where received ALL SWAC selection honors. David graduated this past December receiving his B.S in Physical Health ED and Wellness.

GAME SUMMARY

The "Downtown Showdown" turned into a defensive battle on Thursday night, as Friendship Capitol finally snapped an 8 game losing streak against the McKinley Panthers. Both offenses struggled throughout the evening. An early touchdown reception for scholar athlete and eventual MVP, Diyon Woods, gave Capitol an early spark and a 6-0 lead. Capitol took this lead and shut down the McKinley offense, keeping them from gaining any kind of rhythm. Penalties also killed any hope McKinley had of pulling themselves out of their struggles, and Capitol eventually won this defensive battle 12-6.