AMARILLO, Texas (KFDA) - Four years after West Plains High School was created with a majority of students from Randall High School, the former classmates will face each other as rivals Friday in the Crosstown Showdown.
The matchup brings added intensity for athletes who once played together.
“It’s fun...it definitely adds to the game for sure,” said West Plains senior FB/DB Gavin Salazar. “Being able to go through like the memories, especially when you’re going against someone you’re like very close with...it just adds to that kind of game. But, at the same time, it feels good to just kind of kick on them a little bit, just being that friendly battle between each other.”
Both teams are preparing for a competitive game. One player said his team’s defense has recorded multiple shutouts this season.
“We’re never going to underestimate a team, and we have a defense that has shut out offenses multiple times,” said Randall senior OL/DL Terris White. “They can score...that’s for sure. But, we’re just going to see how it plays out against an actual defense.”
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Both head coaches emphasized the importance of treating the game like any other.
“It’s the most important game because it’s the next one,” said Dan Sherwood, the Randall head football coach.
“It’s the biggest game of the year because it’s the game of the week,” said Adam Cummings, the West Plains head football coach.
The coaches want their teams to stay focused on execution.
“I want our kids to play extremely hard,” said Sherwood. “I want them to play the hardest they’ve ever played because it’s the next game, and I love watching our kids play. I love watching good football, and it means something to both schools. These teams mean something to each community.”
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Cummings acknowledged the sentimental value while maintaining focus on the competition.
“Whoever our opponent is, that’s the biggest game of the year for us,” he said. This week’s no different than that. Obviously, there’s some sentimental value to the game in terms of the two schools and our history and where we came from. But at the end of the day, it’s a big district rivalry.”
The two play on Friday at 7:00 p.m. CST at Happy State Bank Stadium. West Plains currently leads the all-time series record, 1-0.
Both teams are heading into this game undefeated in District 2-4A.
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