By Kenny Mitchell

Publisher

Tonight is the night for a couple of our biggest local rivalries as the New Boston Lions will make their way to DeKalb for a shot at the Traveling Trophy, while Maud and Simms will renew their rivalry in Maud.

The Bears are the overall favorite to win their contest as they come into the game with a record of 5-1 and fresh off a huge win over the Daingerfield Tigers.

DeKalb has had the upper hand in the rivalry over the last decade, winning eight out of the last over that span, including last year’s 48-28 win.

But, don’t count out the Lions. New Boston has won two straight, including scoring 50 points last week in their win over Redwater. When it comes to this rivalry game, anybody can win. Much like Texas v. OU or the Cowboys and the Steelers, when these two teams meet records and stats do not matter.

Tonight’s matchup in DeKalb is a tossup. Let’s say DeKalb takes it by a score of 40-24.

The Simms v. Maud rivalry is just as heated and despite the Pirates having a tough season so far, this game will be a battle.

The boys from Maud have blistered two straight district foes while the Pirates are winless on the season, but like the game happening over in DeKalb, this one can go either way.

Let’s say Maud stays perfect in district with a final score of 30-20.

In one other local game tonight, the Hooks Hornets should earn a district win over a surprising Hughes Springs Mustangs. The Mustangs are 4-2 on the season and 1-1 in district. They are coming off a win over Queen City a week ago and could be riding that wave, but they were throttled by DeKalb the week before. Hooks earned a non-conference win a week ago over a sad little team from Oklahoma City, but they also edged Queen City the week before so they are definitely the favorite in this one. The Hornets need the win this week before they face Daingerfield next Friday, so fans can expect a lot of scoring in this one.

Let’s say Hooks 45-Hughes Springs 28.