As the summer winds down, Texans have just one thought on their mind: Football. Texoma residents will witness one of the biggest games in Texas. The Battle of the Ax is the longest continuous rivalry in Texas high school football. Since 1901, the Sherman Bearcats and the Denison Yellowjackets have battled each other on the field and the rivalry is still the biggest event in the Texoma area.
Brent Whitson was hired as the Denison head coach and athletic director in 2021 after coaching in South Grand Prairie for 10 years. When asked if he was familiar with the Battle of the Ax prior to his arrival he said “Absolutely. I grew up and played in Ada so I was familiar with Denison and the game.” He also acknowledged the importance of the game to the community. “This game brings a lot of depth to the community. It is a big deal to the kids. But as coaches, it is a big deal because of the kids and the community, but it is not to us in the same manner. We know that what comes afterwards is really where the importance lies. Winning our district and advancing in the playoffs is where our focus is. But it’s been nice to lift that ax in victory every time I have coached this game. You will find very few casual fans at these high school football games. There are bragging rights, and there are lifetime bragging rights. That is what this game gives you.”
Denison Assistant Coach Ronnie Mullins who came to Denison with Coach Whitson agrees. “It’s a big deal, and it isn’t. We really want to win this game. With the game's history and importance in the community, we definitely want to bring the ax back home. But right after the game, we get right back at it preparing for our district games. Unless you get to see this game in person, you just can’t compare it to any other high school football game. It is just that big. The atmosphere. The crowd. The noise. It really is something every high school football fan should experience at least once.”
Although it is a huge rivalry, you will not hear trash-talking between the coaches. Denison's Whitson was very complimentary of the opposing team’s coaching staff. He made it a point to laud Sherman Coach Josh Aleman. “I think the world of Coach Aleman. I was so happy to see him come home and take this job. He is the right guy for that job and a quality individual and a Bearcat all the way through. I hope he loses his opener but I wish only the best for him. Their athletic director Jeff Cordell is another good one. He is a local guy too, so it was good to see him come back here.”
Sherman Ex-Students Museum Director James Perry said he attended his first Battle of the Ax game in 1967 and has fond memories of all the games he has attended. He states that it's a great experience to be a part of the longest high school football rivalry in Texas. But as divisive as the game was in the past, he feels that is no longer the case. “Yes it still is a rivalry and a big deal in Sherman and Denison, but this is an event that really brings both communities together. It brings positive attention to the Texoma area. Both cities benefit from this game. Citizens and fans get involved and get to know each other while supporting the young people in their communities. Community spirit is alive and well in Sherman and Denison.” He invites people interested in the rivalry to come by and visit the Sherman Ex-Students Museum to see artifacts, photos, and yearbooks from these historic football games.
Nat McClure, agent/owner of Nat McClure State Farm Insurance in Sherman, has great memories of his playing days in Denison. “Sherman was on a 14 year winning streak and I was a member of the Yellowjacket team that beat Sherman in 1982. In my mind, it was a turning point. A catalyst for things to come in the Texoma area. I was so glad to be a part of that. People still talk about that game in 1982. It was bigger than just a football game.”
How long will the rivalry continue? Coach Whitson feels like there may be a time when the Battle of the Ax will be over. “You just don’t know." So until then, enjoy Texas's oldest high school football rivalry while you can and be part of history. Pick a side or just come enjoy one of the greatest high school experiences of your life.
"There are bragging rights, and there are lifetime bragging rights."