For many years, "the game" was played on Thanksgiving Day in the afternoon. Playoff schedules changed that, although it remained the season's grand finale for many years. In 1971, the State Championship was played in Homer in a matchup between the two Claiborne Parish foes--Homer and Haynesville. It was noted as one of the fifteen best high school games ever played in Northwest Louisiana in the book "Football Country" written by former sports editor Jerry Byrd.

Byrd recalls that both teams played nearly perfect games before a record crowd of 6,000 fans. With just 45 seconds on the clock the scored was tied 7-7. As the final seconds ticked off the clock, Haynesville would pick up the needed first downs to win the game. Head coaches were Ronny Beard for Homer and Red Franklin for Haynesville. Beard died on September 4, 1998 of cancer and on September 10 of last year, Homer's stadium was renamed the "Ronny G. Beard Memorial Stadium" in his memory.

In the November/December 1981 issue of Louisiana Life magazine, the cover story "Neighbors at War," compared the rivalry to the Hatfields and McCoys. Former Pelican and All-American end Wayne Volentine was Homer's head coach at the time, and Haynesville coach Alton "Red" Franklin was in his fifteenth year. Franklin's career at Haynesville began in 1966. Throughout the decade of the '70s he amassed an impressive record of 99 wins.

Throughout the twentieth century, the names and faces have changed on the field and in the stands, but the rivalry and the tradition have remained constant. At times the rivalry has carried over into the lives of some residents in both towns, but for the most part, it is simply "the best game of the year." It represents a healthy rivalry that pushes athletes to their limits and gives last year's loser an opportunity to redeem themselves.

No doubt the stands will be packed Friday night. Neither Kyle nor Franklin would predict a winner. Kyle said, "It is an intense rivalry and a great tradition, and he is happy to be a part of it. He believes players on both sides feel privileged to play in such a game, with such rich tradition, and intensity behind it" ...and he ought to know...he was once one of those players.

Kyle played for the Pelicans between 1979-1981 under Coach Volentine. He later returned serving as assistant coach under Volentine, until he was named head coach in the fall of 1995.

"The game speaks for itself," Franklin said, "It's just Homer-Haynesville football. The rivalry is there--the oldest in the state and perhaps even the nation." As for Friday night's game, he said, "It will be a good ballgame--it always is." Kickoff is 7 PM Friday, September 15, in Haynesville. See you there!