Red Top Rivalry in full swing as both teams seek district title

As far as local sports go, the “Red Top Rivalry” (check your local maps) between Bryson and Newcastle has always been a bit overlooked. But this year, both six-man schools proudly possess top 25 state rankings, and a district championship will be on the line when the two meet up Friday night in Newcastle. Newcastle, the No. 19 team in the state, has played a mammoth of a schedule that puts them at a 4-3 record. On the other hand, No. 21 Bryson has suffered only one loss but had a much easier ride through their first seven games. Both teams respect each other greatly. “They’re really good,” Newcastle coach John Eli said. “They have good athletes all over the field. They’ve got a good quarterback in [Brayden] Houser, and [Paul] Davidson and [Ethan] Robinson are great.” Bryson coach Jason Briles echoed Eli’s admiration. “They’ve played a really tough schedule,” Briles said of Newcastle. “They’re a good team who has just had to go through a gauntlet. I don’t think Bryson has beat Newcastle since 2007, so this is a huge game for us and a chance to change that.” Briles is right. Newcastle has won the contest eight of the last 10 times the two teams have faced each other since 2004. Bryson’s two wins came in 2004 and 2007. The two met twice in 2011 with Newcastle taking both games, including a 66-18 win in the state quarterfinal playoff game. Bryson and Newcastle did not play each other in 2009, 2012 or 2013. For Newcastle, the historical dominance bodes well for a team that hasn’t changed their philosophy. For the rest of this story, pick up a copy of Wednesday’s Graham Leader, or subscribe to our online edition.