The Big Game in KSAT 12’s Big Game Coverage this Friday night will be the highly anticipated rematch between the Judson Rockets and the Steele Knights. Heading into this year’s neighborhood rivalry, the Rockets are ranked No. 1 in 12’s top 12 and No. 5 in the latest Associated Press state 6A high school football poll. The Knights are No. 6 overall in 12’s top 12.
”None of that matters,” says Steele quarterback Wyatt Begeal. “Every time you step on the field, it’s zero-zero. It’s your squad versus their squad. They’re a great team, and there are a lot of good players on that team. They’re very well-coached, so we’ve got to have a great week of practice and prepare right to get the win.”
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This will be the ninth all-time meeting between these two schools. The Rockets scored their first win in this series just last year in a narrow 35-28 finish, but the game certainly didn’t begin as an even content. Judson outscored Steele 35-7 to open the game, only to watch the Knights respond by scoring 21 unanswered points. It was a failed onside kick attempt with less than 2 minutes to play that ultimately decided the game.
“It’s always a big week playing against these dudes from across the city,” said Judson senior running back and safety Rashad Wisdom. “It’s always a good game. They have a lot of playmakers over there and a lot of them are my friends.”
And this game won’t just be for neighborhood bragging rights: This matchup opens play in the always-tough District 26-6A.
”This game means a lot,” points out Steele defensive end Warren Carter. “First of all it’s the Judson Rockets. They have a great ball club, but it’s also a district game and all of these are going to count and matter in the end.”
This year, the annual showdown between the Knights and Rockets will take place at Rutledge Stadium in Converse with kickoff set for 7:30 p.m.
“They always play us tough,” says Judson senior linebacker Kevin Wood. “We’re going to have to be really focused this week. It’s going to be tough but I believe we can get it done.”