For the 49th time, Apollo and Daviess County are going to battle on the gridiron. While it’s often been for bragging rights, there will be a regular season Class 6A District 1 championship on the line in tonight’s matchup.
When these two teams take the field, there is always a high level of intensity. That will be heightened with so much at stake.
The last time the two teams played each other with a hint of such implications was in 2017, when Daviess County defeated Apollo to earn the City-County championship. This time, a win for either team is worth even more.
“Playoff implications are riding on this game,” Apollo Head Coach John Edge said. “Both teams want to play at home at least for the first two rounds. To come away with a win would be great. We are taking one play at a time and going to let the chips fall.”
Apollo is currently 3-0 in district play and Edge said it’s been the buy-in from not just the players, but the coaching staff and parents as well that has helped them find success.
“Back in 2020 I took this job to win,” Edge said. “Our players, staff, parents, and support staff have bought into our ideas. We have a great relationship with players and that goes a long way.”
Daviess County also sits at 3-0 in district play and Head Coach Matt Brannon said that the goal they made to win district at the beginning of the year is in their sights.
“That has been on our minds from the first practice until now,” Brannon said. “We preached to our team that it is a process and that every game, every practice gets us one step closer to that goal. Although the district championship trophy will be handed out after the round two postseason game, it would be nice to claim the regular season district championship and the No. 1 seed going into the playoffs.”
With that in mind, the Panthers are excited for the chance to set themselves apart as the best team in the district against the Eagles.
“Regardless of what is on the line, the rivalry is strong and bragging rights are often more valuable,” Brannon said. “This game will secure the No. 1 seed and the 50th meeting of all time could happen this year for the outright chance to claim the district championship. Should be a lot of fun.”
The all-time series between the two is currently tied at 24-24. Apollo will be the host with kickoff set for 7 p.m.
