Some may call them the Mavericks, others may say they’re just the competition, but the true relationship between Weddington and Marvin Ridge can be defined in one word by many – rivals.

It is a tale as old as time in the sports world – 2 teams within a close proximity of each other square off for not only a victory on the field, but also for a years-worth of bragging rights and an extra feather in their cap. The rivalry between the Marvin Ridge Mavericks and the Weddington Warriors is no exception to this age old rule, and this Friday night the spotlight will shine once again on these two powerhouse football teams and their competitive rivalry matchup.  

Heading into the highly contested game on Friday night, the Weddington Warriors boast a 7-1 record on the season with notable wins against Sun Valley and Crest High School. The Mavericks, on the other hand, carry a strong 6-2 record with a school record-breaking four shutouts on the season. It is quite evident that both programs have set the bar high in terms of their expectations for success this season; not only do the Warriors and the Mavericks carry several key wins, but they also boast impressive stats, and have teams that are chalk-full of talent. These reasons, along with the fact that the game was nominated as the “WSOC-TV High School Game Of The Week” are just a few reasons the game Friday night will be one for the books.

“It’s a fierce and emotional battle between us each year. We head into this game knowing that it is a big deal. The pressure is on us to make our school proud, and to uphold the tradition of excellence against Marvin Ridge that was set before us in the Weddington Football Program” commented Weddington senior lineman Malachy Kerrigan when asked about this week’s game.

Not only is this rivalry week in Warrior Nation, but it is also Homecoming Week. Paired with the anticipation of the Marvin vs Weddington matchup will be the excitement of Homecoming festivities around the Big Dub. Prior to kick-off at 7:30pm on Friday night will be a tailgate at the Weddington Bus Loop from 5-7pm with food trucks, a DJ, games, and plenty of social engagement before the rowdy Green Machine heads down to take their place in the home stands to cheer on the Warriors. Aside from the tailgate hosted by Student Government on Friday, “Homecoming Week” otherwise known as “Marvin Ridge Week” includes 5 spirit days in which students and staff around WHS are encouraged to dress according to the daily theme to show their Warrior pride. On fourth block Friday, students will also engage in a pep-rally to build the enthusiasm heading into the Homecoming matchup that night.

Between Homecoming activities and the eagerness of playing an arch-rival, this week is proving to be nothing short of exciting for Warrior Nation. Headlined by an intense QB competition between Weddington’s Whitner Litton and Marvin’s Jake Cameron, there are high expectations riding on both offenses as the Warriors have averaged 30 points per game thus far in the season, and the Maverick’s have averaged 34 points. Additionally, with both teams  having a strong leadership category – each well equipped with many senior and veteran players – there is sure to be plenty of passion coming from athletes who might be facing off against their rival team for the final time in their high school football careers.

“As a senior, I want to win this game more than any game that I have played against Marvin before” said Kerrigan. “ It is always a great game because both schools want so badly to be the best, and we thrive off of the competition. This game will without a doubt determine who the alpha team of Union County is.”

While the fate of the game may be uncertain at this point, one thing is for sure – Warriors and Mavericks just don’t get along on the gridiron. This Friday, however, the fight will be on to determine who will take the rivalry title between Weddington and Marvin Ridge. One team will leave the night riding high, while the other will have to lick their wounds and wait another year for redemption. It is all to be decided, and the only way to see what happens is to come for yourself. This Friday. Warrior Stadium. 7:30pm. Be there for the game of the season.