For the past five years, Rock Bridge and Battle have faced off against former teammates and friends in football. This year’s game was held at Rock Bridge on Friday, September 6 with the stands packed for the Friday night lights. Battle came away with the win, with an ending score of 21 to 14.

The Rock Bridge and Battle rivalry may not be like an NFL rivalry, but it is still a huge deal. Over five years, Battle has played Rock Bridge in a sports battle. Most of the players know each other on the field as well as off of it. Defensive captain Trae Hicks stated, “We are all brothers, but when it comes to being in between the lines we’ve got to be ready to go at each other.” 

Battle came off an 8-5 season and another district title. Rock Bridge came off a 9-3 season. Rock Bridge had won three games over the course of five years.  This year, Battle won 21 to 14, meaning Battle and Rock Bridge had three wins a piece. Quarterback Harrison Keller led the Spartan offense to a great performance. 

The game came down to the wire, the score being 14-21 late in the fourth quarter. Coach Atiyyah Ellison said, “I feel like the game should not even have gotten to that point.” 

Battle held the lead 19-7 at the half, but the Bruins had the ball to start the second half and quickly scored making the score, 14-19. A few drives later Rock Bridge was inside their own 10 yard line. Shamil Hamilton tackled the Bruins running back for a safety. The Spartans increase their lead by two. Now, it was 14-21 Rock Bridge down by one touchdown. The game was slowly coming to a close.

The Bruins held the ball late in the fourth quarter, and they were marching down field. The Spartan defense held their ground, and the Bruins went for it on fourth down. They went for a deep pass down field, but the pass was dropped. With under a minute to go, the game was over.

   The Spartans are now 3-1, taking on the Hickman Kewpie’s on Friday, Oct. 4 at 7 p.m. at Battle High School.