This week West Texas prepares for the ever entertaining and storied Crosstown Showdown rivalry. Abilene High and Abilene Cooper have been meeting each other since 1961 and heading into this year’s 56th meeting at Shotwell Stadium, Cooper has the advantage with a 32-21-1 record against Abilene High.
The last two years in this epic rivalry have been in favor of Abilene High with decisive victories. This is the fifth time in this game’s history that it will not be with district implications. Since 2008, Abilene Cooper has been moved down to 5A while Abilene High competes in the 6A classification.
Both teams have had early obstacles however that have put a damper early on in their season. Abilene lost in Week One to San Angelo Central and Abilene Cooper dropped their game last week against Grapevine.
Abilene High quarterback Peyton Killam looks to build off his career night he had against Midland Lee where he completed 15 of 18 passes for 332 yards and four touchdowns. Wide receiver Qua’Shawn Washington had two touchdown receptions and Bryce McGough had a team-high five catches that night for 52 yards. The running game was in effect that night as well with Abram Smith rushing for 105 yards and two touchdowns. This performance was a complete turnaround from their 63-26 loss to San Angelo Central.
Abilene Cooper is hoping to rebound from their 61-7 loss against Grapevine last week. The lopsided loss came after Cooper defeated Keller 30-14 in a weather-shortened game. The loss to Grapevine actually dropped Abilene Cooper from our latest 5A power rankings where in Week Two they held the No. 17 ranking. Rest assured though that Abilene Cooper could not find a better opponent to get back on track other than Abilene High.
Though both teams have faced their early struggles it can always be anticipated that the game will produce a huge turnout. All hands are on deck as this crosstown matchup looks to once again be the buzz of the town and bring about another storied game in this historic rivalry.
