Welcome to Ratliff Stadium in Odessa, Texas, where 18,000 fans will pack the stands for one of the most iconic high school football rivalries in the nation—the clash between the Odessa Bronchos and the Permian Panthers. First played in 1959, this legendary West Texas showdown will be featured in the 23rd season of the Great American Rivalry Series, celebrating over 100 of the greatest matchups in high school football. 

Permian has long dominated the rivalry, leading the all-time series 47–10 and winning 10 of the last 11 meetings, including a 49-7 victory last season. But this game is about more than wins and losses—it’s about legacy. Both programs have a deep tradition of producing elite talent, with numerous NFL players having worn the black and white of Permian or the red and white of Odessa. This rivalry helped define Texas football—and it still delivers on every level. 

Mark your calendars for October 16th, as another chapter is written in Odessa. Will the Bronchos rise, or will the Panthers continue their success? 

We Know Friday Nights. 

 

MVP

Malachi Mendoza
Odessa Permian

SCHOLAR ATHLETES

Aiden Medina

Odessa Permian

Aiden is a leader both on and off the field at Permian High School. He is a multisport athlete, playing safety for the Panthers and competing in track; while also being a proud member of the National Honor Society. In addition to his academic and athletic accomplishments, Aiden is also an entrepreneur and owns Medina’s Lawncare. Most importantly, he would like to thank his parents for their unwavering love, support, and everything they have done to help him reach his goals. After graduation, Aiden plans to pursue a degree in mechanical engineering at Texas A&M.
Aidan Ooppapan

Odessa

Aidan truly represents what it means to be a school athlete at Odessa High School. He is a leader and valuable member of the Bronchos defense, while off the field he boasts a 4.39 GPA which is in the top 10 out of 787 students, and is the vice president of the National Honor Society. After high school, Aidan e plans to enlist in the Air Force Reserves and attend UT Austin with a major in Engineering.

GAME SUMMARY

The 68th edition of the Crosstown Showdown at Ratliff stadium was dominated by the Permian Panthers, as they took down the Odessa Bronchos. The game began as a defensive battle, as both teams traded punts and turnovers in a first quarter that ended in a 0-0 tie. From there, the Panthers took control as Permian opened the scoring when RB Cayden Taylor took a handoff to the house to start the 2nd quarter. After back-to-back sacks on the ensuing Odessa possession, the Panthers again scored as game MVP Malachi Mendoza returned the punt for a touchdown to extend their lead. As Odessa was looking to get on the board, the Panthers defense forced a fumble, and the offense capitalized with a passing touchdown just a few plays later. Right before half, Odessa put together a good drive, but a Permian pick-6 increased their lead to 35-0. To open the 3rd quarter the Panthers picked up right where they left off, as Malachi Mendoza took a quick pass to the endzone on their second play of the half. The rest of the game saw more of the Permian defense flying around the field forcing punts and turnovers, with the Panthers offense punching in two more rushing touchdowns to put the finishing touches on a dominant 56-0 victory. The Panthers improved to 8-0 while the Bronchos fell to 2-6, as both teams look to make a push heading into the playoffs.