Phillipsburg Stateliners and Easton Red Rovers Faced Off on Eleventh and Final Stop of MaxPreps Rivalry Series presented by the National Guard

It only seemed fitting that the MaxPreps Rivalry Series concluded this years' season with the most historic rivalry in all of high school sports. On November 25, 2013 the MaxPreps Rivalry Series presented by National Guard showcased the 107th game between the Phillipsburg (N.J.) Stateliners and Easton (Pa.) Red Rovers. The game between "P'burg" and Easton is one of the longest lasting rivalries in high school sports and encompasses everything that is great about tradition, school spirit, and of course competition.

Approximately two miles separate Phillipsburg and Easton. Although the two schools are in different states, a quick drive over the "Free Bridge" will land you in enemy territory. The first game between P'Burg and Easton was played in 1905. Since then the schools have forged a rivalry lasting a century that has incorporated generations of players. Phillipsburg and Easton used to be in the same league; however Phillipsburg was forced to leave and join the Skyland Conference in order to qualify for the New Jersey State Playoffs. What makes this rivalry even more special is that these two schools chose to continue to play each other every Thanksgiving Day, even though state playoffs are right around the corner. In fact, one year P'burg missed a state playoff game just so they could play Easton. Every Thanksgiving both Easton and Phillipsburg can be counted on to walk up "The Hill" to battle at Lafayette College for pride and glory.

Before game day, the Army National Guard Rivalry Trophy was on display at both schools during their pep rallies. Both Sergeant Darois and Sergeant Symmonds spoke during these events to give the students an idea about what exactly the MaxPreps Rivalry Series stands for and how unique their rivalry is. The trophy displayed added incentive for the players. Both gyms were so packed with screaming students that even standing room was scarce. The rallies consisted of traditional chants and events such as the introduction of seniors and the cheerleaders displaying their routines. Although tradition is what makes this rivalry so special, it would not be complete without the students putting their own touch on it. At Easton, the footballs players' moms choreographed a dance and at P'burg the male Powder Puff Cheerleaders performed a routine of their own. Both performances put the crowds into a frenzy so loud that it felt as though the roofs were about to come down. The MaxPreps Rivalry Series highlights tradition; however, it is the unique spirit of the student body that makes these rivalries so special. And that was only the beginning of the festivities.

If you are looking for Easton students two nights before the game the best place to find them is sleeping outside under the cold November sky. The reason for this is that since the 1960's, the Red Rovers have camped outside of Easton High to guard the 35-foot tall bonfire that over 500 students each year take part in constructing. Students stand guard all night no matter if the weather is rain, sleet, or snow. The reason they endure the cold November night is to prevent their rivals from vandalizing their enormous bonfire. The night before the game thousands of student and community members gather to ignite the 35-foot pile of wood and cheer their team to victory. When asked if the snow was going to postpone the bonfire, Easton native replied, "No, we just use more kerosene".

P'burg has a more recently formed tradition since the town laws prohibit them from having their own traditional bonfire. Starting at 6 p.m. a community wide pep rally commences outside the school on their home field. The festivities started with performances from their alumni band as well as the student band, cheerleaders, and dance team. During each act the seniors were called down and expressed words of gratitude towards the entire community, thanking them for their support throughout the year as well as asking for their undying loyalty for the most important game of the year. The festivities concluded with a magnificent firework show that is choreographed to a matching soundtrack. The fireworks lasted approximately 30 minutes and were so big that they could undoubtedly been seen across the Delaware River-sending their neighbors to the West a loud and clear message.

The temperature for the game was a brisk 27 degrees with an estimated wind speed of 25 mph. However, that would not slow down the nation's most historic rivalry. At 7 a.m. Easton supporters were gathered outside Fisher Stadium already tailgating the game and Phillipsburg supporters, numbering roughly 600, were beginning their march across the "Free Bridge" and up "The Hill" to the game. Lafayette hosted an estimated 15,000 fans and neutral spectators who all gathered together to witness this magnanimous event.

The game began with the MaxPreps Rivalry Series ceremonial coin toss. Sergeant Symmonds of the New Jersey Army National Guard, representing Phillipsburg, and Sergeant Darois of the Pennsylvania Army National Guard, representing Easton, both marched each teams' captains out to midfield to ensue in the coin toss. As expected with a rivalry of this magnitude, the game was approached with immense heart and determination from each side. However Easton won the turnover battle which gave them a 16-7 victory, extending their winning streak over P'burg to four games. Students rushed the field and gathered around Sergeant Darois as he presented the winning Easton Red Rovers with the Army National Guard Rivalry Trophy.

Benjamin Franklin once said, "The only things certain in life are taxes and death". It is safe to say that the Phillipsburg vs. Easton Thanksgiving Day game can be added to that.

Thank you to the Phillipsburg Stateliners, the Easton Red Rovers, and their respective communities for showing MaxPreps and the National Guard the true spirit of a high school football rivalry!

If you are interested in more information about this rivalry, you may visit the Phillipsburg vs Easton Rivalry Series page.  To follow the entire series (or request that your school be included for next year), visit the new MaxPreps Rivals page.