Two longtime rivals clash tonight seeking win

Two storied Texas high school football programs meet tonight seeking their first victory of the season. Graham and Brownwood have had a number of games decided until the very last play over the years. The series between the two schools dates back to 1951.

Twenty-one times from 1951 to 1977, the Steers found themselves as district opponents against some of Brownwood’s toughest teams. During that span, Graham managed only five wins to the talented Lions.

During the Steers' 15-2 2009 season, Graham suffered its only loss of the regular season at Browwood 28-27 in a district clash that went down to the wire. Both teams accounted for over 1,160 total yards of offense.

The Steers had to survive after falling down 16-0 last season, before Graham put up 27 points in the second quarter to win a come-from-behind shootout, 54-49 at Gordon Wood Stadium. Senior running back Chase Gilmore ran for over 300 yards to help the Steers stun the Lions.

If healthy tonight, Gilmore and the offense should be able to move the ball down the field. Brownwood gave up over 300 yards of total offense to both Brock and Snyder in the first two weeks of the season.

Brownwood is led by quarterback Tommy Bowden, who has thrown for over 370 yards. Graham's defense led by J.J. Lee, Will Hays, Corey Ballew, Salvador Mendez, Raider Horn, Ri'en Perez, Garrett Dickey and Landon Hebert will be counted on to keep Bowden under control.

Graham managed 323 yards in a loss at Mineral Wells last week, but over 120 yards in penalties proved large. Quarterback Hunter Lanham threw for 85 yards to four different receivers. 

Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. at Newton FIeld.