In a clash that dates back to 1924, the Pittsburg Pirates and the Antioch Panthers are set to ignite the gridiron once again at the historic Pirate Stadium on November 4th, 2023. This matchup, aptly named “The Big Little Game,” is a cornerstone of high school football history, having witnessed a staggering 107 meetings between the two powerhouse teams.

With an all-time series lead of 73-27-7, the Pittsburg Pirates have established their dominance over the decades, but the Antioch Panthers are determined to rewrite the narrative this year. Last season, when Antioch hosted Pittsburg, the Pirates sailed to a decisive 48-21 victory, leaving a score to settle for the Panthers.

Founder and CEO of the Great American Rivalry Series, Rick Ford, weighed in on the significance of this matchup, stating, “The Pittsburg vs Antioch rivalry is a testament to the enduring spirit of high school football. This game, in its 20th season as part of the Great American Rivalry Series, showcases the heart and soul of these communities.”

Pirate Stadium, with its rich history and capacity for 8,000 passionate fans, will undoubtedly be a cauldron of intensity as these teams battle for supremacy on the hallowed turf. The echoes of legends past will reverberate through the stands, as both the Pittsburg Pirates and the Antioch Panthers prepare to etch their names into the annals of football history.

As the sun sets and the lights illuminate the battlefield, the stage is set for another unforgettable chapter in this storied rivalry. With hearts pounding and anticipation in the air, one thing is certain: “The Big Little Game” is more than just a matchup; it’s a legacy.

We Know Friday Nights.

MVP

Jaydon Hudson
Pittsburg

SCHOLAR ATHLETES

Andrew & Lorenzo Marin

Pittsburg

Andrew and Lorenzo Marin are both scholar-athletes who have been in the Pirate Football Program for the last 2 years. They both take honors courses and maintain GPAs of 4.1 and 3.83 respectively as they compete on the football team. As of now, they are undecided about what college they will attend but we know that they will go on to do great things!
Joey Wilson

Antioch

Joey is a 3 sport athlete competing in Football, Basketball, and Track. Joey has maintained a 4.0 GPA throughout high school. Joey is an excellent leader on and off the field. After graduation Joey plans to attend a 4 year college.

GAME SUMMARY

The Bay area winds blew in, bringing with it a strong wind of competition for Saturday Afternoon Football. The Pittsburg Pirates take on their rival the Antioch Panthers on their home turf, in a battle the town of Pittsburg has been waiting for all year. Antioch starts in a difficult spot, getting tackled for a loss of three yards, giving leeway for the Pirates to tackle, gain yardage, and a touchdown. Pirates make another epic play with a 58-yard pick-six and a four quarterback sack for the team, all in the first quarter. Antioch blocked a kick in order to gain an extra point, but the defense of Pittsburg was too strong. The battle was mighty, but came to a fierce end, with a final score of 55-6..