The two high schools celebrated their 50th anniversary of the legendary rivalry on Oct. 14 at Pisgah Memorial Stadium in Canton. Coming into the 53rd matchup, both teams were undefeated, both in search of a state title. And yet, even with that state championship in their crosshairs, the real victory would be over each other, which has become one of the premier games each season — in the entire Southeast and beyond. 

At kickoff, there was an estimated 14,000 people in attendance underneath the “Friday Night Lights.” Traveling from the next town over, Tuscola headed into the first half of the matchup ready to battle, holding a lead of 17-7 at the start of the third quarter. But, as the clock ticked down in the fourth, Pisgah kicked a field goal and retrieved the onside kick, with the score tied at 17-17 at the end of regulation.

In overtime, Tuscola kicked a field goal, but the Black Bears answered with a touchdown, ultimately coming out with a tight 23-20 victory over the Mountaineers.

The all-time record between the two teams now stands at 26-26-1, as Pisgah Head Coach Brett Chappell is 4-0 in his tenure against Tuscola in the “Big Game.” 

— Words and photos by Arts & Entertainment Editor Garret K. Woodward