It’s that time of the year again when the gridiron sparks fly and the passions run high as the South Lake Eagles take on the East Ridge Knights in a clash that’s been brewing since 2003. This storied rivalry is set to write another thrilling chapter on October 28, 2023, under the Friday night lights at the historic South Lake High School Football Field.

The all-time series stands at 12-8 in favor of the South Lake Eagles, setting the stage for East Ridge to try and close the gap in this landmark 20th season of the Great American Rivalry Series. Both teams have their sights set on victory, and the crowd of 6,000 fans is expected to pack the stands, turning the stadium into a cauldron of energy and anticipation.

In their last faceoff, the East Ridge Knights showcased their resilience and determination as they held off the South Lake Eagles, securing a 26-21 victory. It was a league test that had fans on the edge of their seats, with South Lake mounting a comeback in the third quarter, only to see East Ridge deliver a decisive fourth-quarter touchdown to seal the win.

Rick Ford, founder, and CEO of the Great American Rivalry Series, encapsulated the essence of this fierce matchup, stating, “This rivalry has become a symbol of the heart and soul of high school football, showcasing the raw passion and dedication that fuels the players and the fans alike.”

As the South Lake Eagles seek redemption and the East Ridge Knights aim to defend their hard-earned victory, the anticipation is palpable. The stage is set, the teams are ready, and the echoes of history reverberate through the air. Get ready for an unforgettable showdown that will leave an indelible mark on the 20th season of the Great American Rivalry Series.

We Know Friday Nights.

MVP

Cole Bylzik
East Ridge

SCHOLAR ATHLETES

Jacob Billsten

South Lake

Jake has been involved in weekly food distribution programs for the past 3.5 years and has maintained an unweighted 4.0 GPA since he started high school. In his high school sports career, he has also participated on the track and field team and won the Orange County, Trinity League Shot Put (first place) his Freshman year. Jake is still working through the recruitment process and is looking to attend school in state with the goal of playing college football and studying business.
Kassate Reid

East Ridge

Kassate is an extremely hard-working person, who is known to put much thought into his many commitments. His dedication is undeniable with endless persistence playing football, excelling academically during his career while participating in numerous extracurricular activities. As an established wide receiver on the varsity squad, Kassate is an invaluable teammate. After graduating, he plans to pursue a higher education in-state.

GAME SUMMARY

The game started off with a bang as East Ridge's #25 player secured a touchdown, giving the Knights an early lead of 14-7. As the clock ticked down to 3 minutes left in the second quarter, South Lake's defense faced a crucial moment on 3rd and 10 with the ball on the 43-yard line. Unfortunately for the Eagles, South Lake's QB #12 fumbled the ball, pushing them back to their own 50-yard line, setting up a tense 3rd down situation. With just 15 seconds remaining in the first half, East Ridge executed an impressive 52-yard drive to reach the end zone, ending the first half with a commanding lead of 21-7. Third quarter saw a momentum shift as #34 of the Eagles recovered a fumble, giving South Lake a fresh set of downs. However, despite their defensive efforts, the score remained in favor of the Knights at 21-7 by the end of the quarter. The fourth quarter proved to be a turning point for East Ridge as they scored another touchdown, with just 7 minutes and 43 seconds left in the game, extending their lead to 28-7. The Knights maintained their dominance throughout the remainder of the game, ultimately securing a resounding victory with a final score of 35-7. like 1

GAME GALLERY