In the days leading up to this year’s Annual Mayor’s Cup between Patrick Henry (3-1) and William Fleming High (1-3) on Sept. 18, passionate fans on both sides took to social media to predict the outcome.
“I am so confident that my Patriots are going to win by double digits. Our players and coaching staff are just far superior. I would be surprised if Fleming scores more than one touchdown,” Jaylin Miller posted to Twitter.
Wrote Dennis Williams on Facebook, “Even though we’ve lost a few games early on, there isn’t an opponent remaining on our schedule that we can’t defeat, especially if everybody plays their role. We won’t have any problem defeating Fleming on Friday though. Easy work.”
Originally intended as a home game for the Colonels, the contest moved to Patrick Henry’s Gainer Field because of ongoing track construction at Fleming. After PH running back DJ Tartt finished the Patriots’ opening drive with a touchdown, Fleming responded with wide receiver CJ Henderson cutting loose for a 70-yard score.
At that point, it appeared that everyone in attendance would get treated to a competitive contest. The next three quarters were complete domination. Final box score: PH 42, Fleming 7.
Depending on who you ask, PH either downright embarrassed their opponent or Fleming just didn’t come to play.
The idea of the Colonels getting blasted by 35 points was not on Sam Parker’s bingo card.
Reflecting on what it was like to be there, the PH alum said, “When I was in school, Fleming beat us every single year. I don’t recall us ever losing this bad though. Despite the beatdown, I still believe that Fleming has some players talented enough to play on the collegiate level.”
Said Roanoke City Public Schools in a statement, “Friday night lights are always more special when our two high schools play each other. We’re so proud of both our William Fleming and Patrick Henry football teams. Big shoutout also to both high school’s bands, cheerleaders, JROTC, and all other students who helped to make the night so special.”
More than just post-season positioning, whenever the programs compete on the gridiron, they are also playing for school pride and ultimate bragging rights.
For more than 65 years, the crosstown rivalry has happened at least once annually. PH leads the all-time series 41-32-4.
This Friday, the Patriots will play Hidden Valley High. Fleming’s next game will be against George Washington on October 2.
