The rivalry is back in the Oakland-Riverdale football series.
En route to the TSSAA Class 5A state championship last fall, Oakland jumpstarted its title drive with a then surprising 17-6 win over archrival Riverdale, snapping the Warriors’ nine-game win streak in the series dating back to 2000.
While Oakland went on to its state title trophy, Riverdale struggled after that opening loss and missed the playoffs for the first time in years.
This fall the two oldest Murfreesboro high schools appear likely to wage one of their classic battles tonight at 7:30 on Oakland’s turf.
Both teams are 3-1 with the lone loss a close decision and have been decisive in their wins. Oakland knocked off highly ranked Brentwood last week while Riverdale laid a 52-7 pounding on Lincoln County.
Importantly both teams are 1-0 in district play with tonight’s game critical in that race.
Adding a bit to the rivalry tonight will selection of the game as a part of the Great American Rivalry Series, sponsored by the U.S. Air Force.
As part of the Series, the winning team earns Battle of the Boro bragging rights and the coveted Great American Rivalry Champion trophy, presented on field by a member of the United States Air Force. The game’s most valuable player is also recognized, and the Series awards the top student athlete from each school a $500 college scholarship.
The Senior Scholar-Athlete for Oakland is Matthew Schaller. Matt’s a 3-year letterman in football and a leader in the community. He is a member of FCA and Young Life. Riverdale’s Senior Scholar-Athlete is Cody West. Cody is a 3-year letterman and a member of FCA and the Beta Club.
Fans are encouraged to stop by the Air Force booth to compete in the Great American Rivalry Series “Air Force Challenge”. Six semifinalists will win an Air Force prize package and be entered for a chance to win the grand prize, a Flip Video Ultra camcorder. The grand prize winner will be announced during the game.
In other top classification games undefeated Blackman travels to La Vergne and Siegel visits Smyrna.
Eagleville travels to Forrest in Class A competition while MTCS journeys to Community.
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