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Sunday
March 21, 2010 Since 1922 |
The Battle of Baytown
From staff reports
Baytown Sun Published October 7, 2009 The 43rd annual football game between Sterling and Lee is at 7 p.m. Friday at Stallworth Stadium. It’s the Battle of Baytown – a storied tradition that stretches back to 1967.
So big is this annual battle, it is commonly referred to simply as “The Game.” When Baytonians talk about “The Game” they don’t need to specify what sport or what teams they’re talking about. Everybody knows.
In tribute to legendary boxing announcer Michael Buffer, let’s get ready to rumble.
The Ganders dominated the initial battles, winning four straight over Sterling from 1967 to 1970. But that changed in 1971 when the Rangers posted their first victory in the series in dramatic fashion.
From 1971 to 1975 the Rangers forged a winning identity, reeling off five consecutive wins over REL and claiming eight of the next 10 contests.
During the 1970s and part of the 1980s the rivalry burned white hot. Fans squeezed into every inch of Stallworth Stadium to witness those gritty, tense and typically low-scoring confrontations between the two schools.
In 1973, more than 21,000 fans were on hand for the clash.
The rivalry is meaningful both in athletic terms and in how much a part it is of community spirit.
“The Game” brings out Lee grads to watch their grandsons and granddaughters play or perform for Sterling and Sterling grads who quietly cheer on the Rangers but sit on the Lee side to watch their children play in the band or cheer on the sidelines
For high school athletes, “The Game” is one to remember and talk about for years to come.
For high school band members, cheerleaders and drill teams, there’s an extra adrenaline rush during halftime.
For alumni and the community, it’s a night to come together.
Just about every teenager in Baytown attends Lee or Sterling, the two schools employ hundreds of Baytonians, and thousands of alumni from the schools still live in the area. It’s a rivalry that affects so many of us.
The bottom line is you have to choose sides tonight - maroon or blue. Let’s have some fun, and exhibit good sportsmanship.
Also, be sure to check out our special section in Friday’s paper. The annual “Game” section provides everything you need to know about the annual crosstown showdown. Of course, if you’re from around here, you already know most of it. It’s in your blood.
Baytown Sun Published October 7, 2009 The 43rd annual football game between Sterling and Lee is at 7 p.m. Friday at Stallworth Stadium. It’s the Battle of Baytown – a storied tradition that stretches back to 1967.
So big is this annual battle, it is commonly referred to simply as “The Game.” When Baytonians talk about “The Game” they don’t need to specify what sport or what teams they’re talking about. Everybody knows.
In tribute to legendary boxing announcer Michael Buffer, let’s get ready to rumble.
The Ganders dominated the initial battles, winning four straight over Sterling from 1967 to 1970. But that changed in 1971 when the Rangers posted their first victory in the series in dramatic fashion.
From 1971 to 1975 the Rangers forged a winning identity, reeling off five consecutive wins over REL and claiming eight of the next 10 contests.
During the 1970s and part of the 1980s the rivalry burned white hot. Fans squeezed into every inch of Stallworth Stadium to witness those gritty, tense and typically low-scoring confrontations between the two schools.
In 1973, more than 21,000 fans were on hand for the clash.
The rivalry is meaningful both in athletic terms and in how much a part it is of community spirit.
“The Game” brings out Lee grads to watch their grandsons and granddaughters play or perform for Sterling and Sterling grads who quietly cheer on the Rangers but sit on the Lee side to watch their children play in the band or cheer on the sidelines
For high school athletes, “The Game” is one to remember and talk about for years to come.
For high school band members, cheerleaders and drill teams, there’s an extra adrenaline rush during halftime.
For alumni and the community, it’s a night to come together.
Just about every teenager in Baytown attends Lee or Sterling, the two schools employ hundreds of Baytonians, and thousands of alumni from the schools still live in the area. It’s a rivalry that affects so many of us.
The bottom line is you have to choose sides tonight - maroon or blue. Let’s have some fun, and exhibit good sportsmanship.
Also, be sure to check out our special section in Friday’s paper. The annual “Game” section provides everything you need to know about the annual crosstown showdown. Of course, if you’re from around here, you already know most of it. It’s in your blood.