Blue vs maroon. Friends vs neighbors. Fight song blaring from the band. The crowd cheering. The wind blowing, a light mist in the air. It was the game of the year, and school spirit was in the air. It was the Crosstown Showdown.

The annual Crosstown Showdown was Nov. 7 at Wylie Stadium. Every year, the Wylie teams face off against each other in the rival game- the Crosstown Showdown. Wylie East students decked out in all blue after celebrating an Ultimate Raider Day and Crosstown pep rally, and took their places seated on the home side of the stadium. The game kicked off at 7 p.m., the band roaring as the students cheered.

“I really like going to the Crosstown Showdown because it’s our rival game and everyone gets so excited to go,” sophomore Brennen Dyess said. “I love how we beat High every year. I’m glad to be a part of such a good school and our sports teams are always so talented.” 

The game continued on through a slight drizzle and a cold wind, but the team was not concerned, and scored a few touchdowns on their opponent. The track was full of both bands, both drill teams, both cheerleading teams, ROTC and color guard. The student section was lively and dressed up, ready for the Thursday night game.

The band and other organizations had to be on the track and not in the stands because the school wanted to make sure there were enough stadium seats to fit all the spectators, as the Crosstown Showdown is typically one of the most attended games of the year. 

“The student section was packed,” sophomore flautist Emma Layne said. “It was another perspective seeing it from the field. It was a lot more aggressive.”

Due to expected thunderstorms, the game had to be rescheduled, and took place on a Thursday night instead of the original date of Friday, Nov. 8.

“I was really disappointed when the game was rescheduled,” sophomore Samantha Finch said. “But it ended up being good since it thundered and lightninged on the day we were supposed to have the game, and that would’ve sucked. In the end, it was a good call.” 

During halftime, the band played to the drill team performances and then did their routine after. In the last quarter, both teams continued to play their best. Wylie East came out on top, winning against their rival with a score of 23-6. 

“The whole game was fun but the best part was winning,” sophomore Bailey Walp said. 

“And I love celebrating after the win when everyone’s hype. Wylie High AHMO-st won!”

What’s next for the Raiders? The playoffs started Nov. 15. After a long season, the team is ready to continue to do their best in the playoffs. On Nov. 15, the Raiders played Forney at Wylie Stadium and won 35-28. Their next game is Nov. 21 against DeSoto at McKinney Stadium.