3 best Texas high school football rivalries ft. Duncanville

Texas high school football isn’t just about the game—it’s a deeply ingrained cultural tradition, representing fierce competition and long-standing community pride. The state hosts over 1,400 schools, each contributing to the intense rivalries that span generations.

These matchups often represent more than just victories on the field, with deep historical roots and passionate fan bases fueling the competition.

3 best Texas high school football rivalries:

#3. Nederland vs. Port Neches-Groves (Texas)

In Southeast Texas, few rivalries are as well-known as the one between Nederland high school and Port Neches-Groves high school, two teams that have been squaring off since 1925.

This rivalry, dubbed the "Battle of the Neches," has consistently delivered unforgettable moments. One of the biggest elements that makes this rivalry so iconic is its connection to Bum Phillips, a legendary NFL coach. Phillips coached Nederland (1951-1956) and Port Neches-Groves (1963-1964).

The Bum Phillips Bowl trophy is presented to the winner of the game each year in his memory. From last year up to this year, Port Neches-Groves owns the series with a 53-39-7 record that involves a big 41-16 win in 2023. Two rival teams are eager to face each other again on Oct. 25.

#2. El Paso High vs. El Paso Austin (Texas)

Known as the "Battle of the Claw," the rivalry between El Paso high school and El Paso Austin high school is the longest-standing and storied in Texas high school football.

These two teams first met in 1930, with El Paso High taking the inaugural game 24-6. However, Austin dominated the overall series, leading with 60 victories to El Paso’s 32, and two ties.

In 1960, a traveling trophy, symbolized by a "large cat leg," was introduced to solidify the importance of this rivalry, representing both schools' mascots—the Tigers for El Paso and the Panthers for Austin.

In their latest rivalry, Austin claimed a narrow 21-19 win in a weather-delayed game, securing their 60th victory in this historic series.

#1. DeSoto vs. Duncanville (Texas)

Among the top football teams in Texas, the status quo finds the rivalry of DeSoto high school and Duncanville high school. While the "Battle for the District" may not be a classic, it is so strong that it can only be topped by a few matches in the state.

Both are ranked among the top teams in Texas (Class 6A football) and are dominant in their division. DeSoto is slightly ahead by 11-6 beating its district rival’s record.

In 2021, due to an anomaly in the schedule due to the pandemic, Duncanville beat DeSoto twice in the same year- once in January and then again when the 6A quarterfinals were going on in December.

Nevertheless, DeSoto got an equalizer in 2023 with a dramatic 49-35 victory. The win did not only break Duncanville's 47-game district winning streak but also marked the season forever.