Pisgah-Tuscola Game Selected for Great American Rivalry Series
“County Clash” Once Again Receives National Attention

Waynesville, NC -- October 14, 2010 -- High School football is well under way and the Great American Rivalry Series once again comes to Haywood County to cover the action. For the second straight year, the Tuscola-Pisgah game will be featured as one of the oldest, biggest and fiercest rivalries in the country. In the State of North Carolina this game is no secret, but on Friday, October 15, this contest will be showcased as one of the best in the nation.

Over 11,000 fans are expected to pack the stands to witness this intense battle on the gridiron. The Tuscola-Pisgah rivalry, dating back to 1966, is one of is one of 42 must-see match ups selected for the U.S. Marine-sponsored 2010 Rivalry Series. Though Tuscola held a heavy edge during early years, the rivalry was reborn on November 17, 1972, when the Mountaineers got revenge on the Black Bears in the State Playoffs and went on to take the 1972 State Championship. Tuscola currently leads the series record 24-21-1, winning last year 41-10.

As part of the Series, the winning team earns bragging rights and the coveted Great American Rivalry Champion trophy, presented on field by a member of the United States Air Force. The game’s Most Valuable Player is also recognized, and the Series award a college scholarship to the top student-athlete from each school.

Tuscola’s scholarship winner is senior Sam Anderson, son of Margaret Anderson. Sam is a two-year starter on the varsity football team and is a member of the National Honor Society. Pisgah’s scholarship winner is William Leatherwood, son of John and Lisa Leatherwood. William is a two-year letterman in football and a three-year letterman in baseball, where he earned All-Conference honors. He is a member of the National Honor Society and active in the youth group at Mt. Zion Baptist Church.

For two alumni--one from each team—the spotlight will shine again as they are inducted into the Great American Rivalry Series Hall of Fame during a halftime ceremony, honoring their past performance in this historic rivalry.

Student and fans are also encouraged to compete on behalf of their school by taking the Rivalry Series United States Marine Corps Chin-up Challenge. The school completing the most chin-ups will be awarded the Chin-up Challenge trophy.


The Great American Rivalry Series emerged from a desire to celebrate the cultural phenomenon of Friday night high school football. The Series shines the spotlight on classic gridiron clashes where expectations are sky high and die-hard fans abound. For many seniors, this may be the last big game of their high school career and the climax of their “Glory Days.” The Rivalry Series captures this experience, which players will recall at reunions years down the road.

For more information, contact 859-225-3399 or visit www.greatamericanrivalry.com. Phone interviews with Great American Rivalry Series’ founder, Richard A. Ford, are available upon request.Read the full article