The annual varsity football game against Arkansas High is always an intense time around town. This Friday, the game is located at Tiger Stadium at Grim Park, but something is a little different than usual. This time around, Texas High’s student section is on the Arkansas side of the stadium.

Over 150 student fans–along with band, drill team and cheer–will be placed with the Razorbacks.

“I think it’s a better idea for the student section to be on the Tigers’ side,” senior Carson Jones said. “When you look across, you see all of the Razorbacks in red. It adds to the spirit of the game–it’s us against them.”

This is the 102nd varsity game between the rivals, and both teams have a lot riding on the outcome. Tickets on the Texas side have been selling quickly, so the Tigers need extra space for fans to come out and support the team.

“A football game should be a fun and exciting time, but how can the visiting team get pumped with the Tigers in their area?” Arkansas High senior Destiny Reed said. “Everyone wants to enjoy the game, and I don’t think that’s being achieved with the way it’s set up.”

Hell Week can be very stressful for residents of Texarkana, especially for the staff and faculty of the participating schools. There is a long history of pranks and violence surrounding this big week.

“I’m a little apprehensive, but that’s normal,” Coordinator of Student Activities Susan Waldrep said. “We all might get a little too excited. I don’t want anything to get too crazy, because we sometimes go nuts at these games.”

Kickoff is at 8 p.m., and the whole town will be watching the “Battle of the Axe.” It’s an emotional game for all involved, whether it be the players, performers or fans.

“It’s going to be pretty funny, honestly,” junior Austin Flippen said. “Once we beat them, they’re going to be sad and we’ll be cheering. Maybe they’ll get mad that we’re louder and prouder.”