Johnson, Reagan square off in Neighborhood Rivalry II

Game is Friday at 7:30 p.m. at Heroes Stadium

SAN ANTONIO – One of the other big games in our Big Game Coverage for Friday night features No. 4 Reagan hosting No. 5 Johnson in 12's Top 12.  

And just like the showdown between Judson and Steele, the game between the Rattlers and Jaguars is a neighborhood rivalry and opens play in district 27-6A.  

It's a rivalry ever year, it's probably the biggest game of the year," a very excited senior Johnson safety Justin Gilbert said. "It's crazy the hype and everything. The atmosphere and game is just insane.  It's awesome."

Johnson went undefeated in district last year and handed Reagan their only loss in 27-6A.

"No one forgot what happened last year," Rattlers senior linebacker Jay Mulligan said. "This is the hungriest we've ever been for a game probably this year, but we are just trying to make it out to be the next game."

That's hard to do when you consider most of these student athletes grew up together and know each other well. 

"They are a good squad, they always are," Reagan junior quarterback Travis Stehle said. "They are going to play hard, that's who they are, and we are looking for a good game." 

Both of these teams come into this rivalry with a 2-1 record.  Reagan's only loss was to Steele two weeks ago 35-30, and Johnson's only loss came in their season opener against Brandeis 35-17. 

"It's our first district game," said Johnson running back Justin Rodriguez, a junior. "So we have to handle business and make sure we come out with a win.

Kick off is set for 7:30 p.m. Friday at Heroes Stadium.