Except on Friday night.
The Hastings Bears took down the Elsik Rams, 51-13, in the 40th edition of the Southwest Classic.
Hastings wasted no time getting on the board as Javon Williams hit Joseph Manjack for a quick touchdown.
After the Rams responded with a 31-yard touchdown catch, Hastings dominated the rest of the first half on both sides of the ball, with Williams on offense and Jevon Leon on defense.
Williams would connect with Manjack two more times before the half to take a 34-6 lead into the locker room.
It was more of the same in the second half, with Hastings adding to their rivalry win column and the perfect start to homecoming.
"The rivalry and the competition, I love it," said Hastings quarterback Javon Williams, who missed the last two games due to injury. "I just feel good to be back. We came in as a team and showed off."
Hastings is now 3-1 on the season and 1-0 in district, as they prepare to face the George Ranch Longhorns next week.
Meanwhile, the Elsik Rams remain winless on the season at 0-4 and face a brutal match up against powerhouse Strake Jesuit next week.
Hastings now leads the all-time rivalry against Elsik, 23-17.
Hastings Bears boast melting pot of talent on the gridiron
GAME LOG:
4TH
Hastings rushing TD (PAT good) -- Hastings: 51, Elsik: 13
Hastings rushing TD (PAT good) -- Hastings: 44, Elsik: 13
Alief rushing TD (PAT good) -- Hastings: 37, Elsik: 13
3RD
Hastings field goal -- Hastings: 37, Elsik: 6
Adversity makes student stronger
2ND
Manjack TD catch from Williams (PAT good) -- Hastings: 34, Elsik: 6
Manjack 39-yard TD catch from Williams (PAT good) -- Hastings: 27, Elsik: 6
1ST
Williams 5-yard TD rush (PAT no good) -- Hastings: 20, Elsik: 6
Cox 8-yard TD rush (PAT good) -- Hastings: 14, Elsik: 6
Elsik 31-yard TD pass (PAT no good) -- Hastings: 7, Elsik: 6
Williams TD pass (PAT good) -- Hastings: 7, Elsik: 0
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Since 1978, the Hastings Bears and Elsik Rams have faced each other in the Southwest Classic, making it one of the most storied rivalries in the Houston area.
From the days of bringing in extra bleachers into the stands at Crump Stadium, the Southwest Rivalry is sure to produce plenty of highlights and fireworks, making it an easy decision to be our Game of the Week.
Nothing brings communities together like football, so this season we're planning to feature not just what's great about a particular high school or team, but also what's awesome about the community surrounding that school.
READING RAMS: Elsik High School students show Alief kids that reading is fun
AT A GLANCE:
Alief Elsik
Head Coach: Aric Sardinea (third year)
State Ranking: 676th (as of Sept. 24)
Points Per Game: 6.3
Points Allowed Per Game: 55.7
Alief Hastings
Head Coach: David Martel
State Ranking: 159th (as of Sept. 24)
Points Per Game: 31.0
Points Allowed Per Game: 19.7
ALL-TIME RECORD
Hastings leads the series 22-17.
LOVING RIVALS: Elsik and Hastings vice principals show love is everlasting, except on gameday
SEASON SUMMARY
ELSIK: It's been a rough start for the Rams. After getting blown out by the Spring Lions to start the season, Elsik gave up back-to-back 60-point games to the Oak Ridge War Eagles and Shadow Creek Sharks.
Unfortunately, it doesn't get any easier for Elsik. After facing Hastings, they take on powerhouse programs Strake Jesuit and Pearland to continue district play before facing a winnable match up against Brazoswood.
HASTINGS: Could this be the year for the Bears? Dickinson took down Hastings in the playoffs last season, but with 13 returning starters and a district title run under their belts, these Bears are ready for another district championship and more.
The Bears have already defeated the Jersey Village Falcons and the Fort Bend Kempner Cougars, but they also fell to Cy Falls in Week 2.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
ELSIK:
- ATH Nshimirimana Mohamed (averaged over nine yards a play last season)
- OT Rodquice Chaney (3-star tackle, holds offers from Houston, Arizona, Missouri and SMU)
HASTINGS:
- RB Tremaine Cox (2018: 33 rushes for 211 yards, 2 TDs)
- DE Jevon Leon (10 tackles, two tackles for loss, 12 assist tackles, two sacks, six QB pressures, two caused fumbles)
THE SOUTHWEST CLASSIC: Alief Elsik at Alief Hastings Sept. 28