In the 99th game between Texas High and Arkansas High, the iconic rivalry is alive and well. For the past several years, the Tigers have gotten away with the the win. This game was no different, Texas High was determined to show that Arkansas still can’t get the best of them. The Tigers came out on top with a final score of 16-0.

Going into the first half, neither team moved the ball. It was punt after punt. The offenses were knocked down by the opposing defenses repeatedly.

“It’s about half time right now, but I’ve been pushing my butt,” senior defensive lineman Demarquan Bailey said. “Next half I’m going to come out and give it all I got. I’m going to play like I’m suppose to.”

At the start of the third quarter, things picked up for Texas High with senior running back Treveon Walker returning a kickoff for 80 yards. Walker went on to gain a total of 83 yards rushing and was awarded MVP at the end of the game.

“It feels pretty good you know, we gotta come out with a big win,” Walker said. “We started off a little slow, but our defense did their thing and we came up with a good victory.”

This jump in motivation was maintained for the rest of the game, while the Tiger’s offense picked up, and their defense stayed strong. Senior quarterback Cody Hunter showed improvement in his passing accuracy, and senior wide receiver Taylor Jackson found his rhythm.

“In the first half, it was pretty rough, but in the second half we came together as a team and put the points up,” Hunter said. “ The teams defense was great, and we beat Arkansas.”

While the stands started to clear and spirits started to dwindle, the Tigers still played on the field to kill the clock. Senior kicker Alex Frederick sent in a 37-yard field goal to seal the fate of Arkansas.

Once the game had come to an end and the players gathered around to hear praise from their coach, several of the Tigers came to realize they had just played the last Texas vs. Arkansas game of their careers.

“I’ve been playing varsity now for three years and going against Arkansas is a tradition,” senior linebacker Anthony Rhone said. “I’m kind of sad that I’m not going to get this experience again.”

Despite the sadness, knowing that playing Arkansas High is over, several of the seniors look to the rest of the season with high hopes and confidence.

“I’ve got a great defense behind me, and you know I’m not looking for a total,” Rhone said. “I’m looking for that state ring.”