On September 5, the Huntsville Panthers played against the Grissom Tigers at Milton Frank Stadium. Both teams gave a hard-fought effort, resulting in a closely contested game. The Panthers scored the first two touchdowns, but missed a kick. This allowed the Tigers to capitalize on this opportunity and tie the game. However, in the final few minutes, the Panthers scored another touchdown, winning against the Grissom Tigers for the 8th year in a row, 20-13. During the game, both student sections were animated, with loud cheers and coordinated chants, which added to the overall excitement and atmosphere of the match. Furthermore, our student section featured Officer Massey, an HHS SRO, holding a sign saying “cheer or go to jail,” which created a positive interaction with the students. Upon entering, students displayed a tiger mascot, symbolizing the intensity of the rivalry. They also joined in on spirited chants like “Let’s go Huntsville,” “HHS let’s go,” “Defense,” and “We can’t hear you!”. For touchdowns, 3 students ran around with HHS flags, and others did pushups for each point the Panthers had scored. In the week leading up to the game, both schools organized themed dress-up days and interactive activities to engage students in the rivalry. Huntsville had “Rule the Rivalry” dress-up days, with daily themes: P.J. Day on Tuesday, Red Out on Wednesday, Jersey Day on Thursday, and Neon Blackout on Friday. Grissom had its “Panther Stomp,” a game played during a pep rally that was similar to musical chairs, but instead of getting to a chair when the music stopped, students had to stomp on a panther. Panthers were hidden all over the school, and if a student found and turned in one, they secured a spot in the Panther Stomp.
Coach Schweers, the HHS basketball coach, said that the rivalry between Grissom and Huntsville is “the best rivalry in the state of Alabama.” He noted that it doesn’t matter if both teams are good or bad; the intensity on the field and the crowd remains the same. To explore Schweers’ perspective, We conducted interviews with two students, one from Grissom and one from Huntsville. About the rivalry, Caroline Sparks, a senior soccer player at Grissom, said, “During football season, the Huntsville game is definitely the most exciting, but during soccer, I would say that it is exciting, though I wouldn’t call it THE most exciting game. There are a lot more supporters at the games of any sport, really, when we are playing against Huntsville, just because it kinda unites us. This unitedness really shows during our pep rallies during the Beat Grissom week because we all go to Grissom, and it’s really like us versus them. During soccer, we don’t necessarily get pushed harder than any other games, but we have that personal goal of prevailing over this team and showing them they’re good, but we’re better.” Before the Huntsville game, the soccer team gathers together for a team dinner, plays some cards, and decorates our hair with tinsel. We have that team bonding activity before these games because this game is more personal and tense, and it helps to bring us together. One person who really makes this rivalry fun and interesting is Mr. Hurt, the senior class sponsor. He is really into the rivalry and the belief that Grissom is on top. He really sets the tone not just for the senior class but also for the entire school. Coach Shields also sets the tone before games just by saying that the game isn’t different, but we still want to prove that we are better. My friends and classmates are all really into this rivalry and endorse the mindset that we are Grissom. We’re going to show up and fight as hard as we can until the last second. I think the intensity will always stay as strong as it is now, but I don’t think any of the traditions will change. The only change I can see happening is which team wins.”
Joey Fleming, the tight end for the Huntsville Panthers, said, “During training, there is definitely a change in our practice – our energy is definitely up. We don’t really have any special things we do before the game; we treat it as another game, and while Grissom games give us lots of expectations to meet, the good energy in the air motivates us. Every coach I’ve ever had greatly impacts what I do on the field, and the energy from the student section and cheerleaders definitely motivates us and gets us hyped up during the game.”
The Grissom-Huntsville rivalry is more than just a game – it’s a tradition that embodies the spirit and intensity of both schools. As Coach Schweers put it, the rivalry’s intensity remains strong, regardless of the teams’ performance. With students, teachers, and coaches all playing a role in fueling the competitive fire, this annual clash promises to continue delivering thrilling moments for years to come. The dedication and passion displayed by both sides are a testament to the deep-seated desire to prevail over their longstanding adversary. Whether it’s the student section’s creative chants, the Pep Rallies, or the games themselves, every aspect of this rivalry is infused with a sense of pride and determination. As the years go by, the rivalry will undoubtedly continue to captivate audiences and inspire students, athletes, and faculty alike. Whether Huntsville or Grissom emerges victorious, one thing is certain: the rivalry will endure, always pushing both sides to give their all.
