Tonight will be a historical night for the De Soto Wildcats and the Mill Valley Jaguars as they face each other for the first time in 15 years in football. 

The two district teams, now competing for an opportunity to go to the State semifinals, will go head-to-head at the DHS stadium. Both the Jaguars and Wildcats football themes will be traditional, yet symbolic, resembling their school colors. 

Junior quarterback Jackson Miller is excited and feels confident going into the rivalry game.

“Defense has put in a couple new schemes, and for offense, we’ve been perfecting our stuff,” Miller said. 

DHS head coach Brian King is also feeling good about the matchup, believing his players have been working extremely hard during practices all week.

“We’ve had the best week since I’ve been here,” King said. “Our kids have done a really good job taking one step at a time and staying focused and not be distracted by all the different things going on.” 

The Wildcat fans are preparing for the game by having a poster-making party to raise school spirit and as a fun way to get the student body together. 

Although sophomore Luke VanBooven is excited to compete, he knows that this game will be much different from others for the Wildcats. 

“I definitely think it’s going to be De Soto’s first actual challenge,” VanBooven said. “It won’t be an easy game.” 

While DHS is preparing for this exciting night, many on the other side of the highway are prepping for the big showdown as well. 

Mill Valley sophomore Sydney Fiatte is very curious to see who will continue onto postseason. 

“I think both teams have a pretty good chance of coming out on top,” Fiatte said. 

No matter which team comes out on top, the overall game will be historical and memorable for many. 

“It’s time for both schools to show out because this matchup is rare,” Fiatte said.