Two towns separated by nine miles and a bridge; one rivalry that has lasted a century: The Battle of the Bridge. This 100th anniversary marks years of tradition and the second-oldest rivalry in the state of Tennessee. In 1923, the famous rivalry started between Lenoir City and Loudon, sparking a string of small-town history that will last forever. In 1995, Leaders from both schools came together and officially named the game “Battle of the Bridge”, as a nod to the bridge across the Tennessee River that separates the two towns. This rivalry also brings amazing things to the county, the annual food drive collects hundreds of thousands of pounds of food for a local Good Samaritan center. While students get especially hyped up for the big game, during the week, students are also excited for the extra events. This year's spirit week events included: pep rallies, tailgates, block parties, and spirit week dress-up days. Most only see the rivalry, yet Battle of the Bridge represents more than just the game. Cole Brazelton (11) describes his experience attending the Battle of the Bridge throughout the years. “It feels like you’re a part of something important, especially being the 100th year. It feels good to be a part of history,” Brazelton said. Brazelton understands what it's like to be a Panther for life. Having grown up attending the rivalry game, he understands the significance of the traditions and what it means to be a part of history. “I grew up around it, and I think it is more than just the game- just the beef and the hatred between the schools that week,” Brazelton said. For Brazelton, the Battle of the Bridge represents more than a rivalry. It represents the tradition passed down from generation to generation. It brings two schools together to one field, play one game and have an unforgettable night. The memories that students, alumni, and community members make represent more than just a game, but a connection between two unlikely sides. “It’s awesome; it feels like nothing else is going on except the people there, and you feel like you just have as big a role as the football players do,” Brazelton said. The feelings you experience are what make Battle of the Bridge different from any other ordinary football game. The excitement is not limited to just the football players on the field. It fills the stands, the hearts of students, the players, the band members, and the cheerleaders. For one hundred years, families of football players, cheerleaders, and students have watched this rivalry unfold. Parents pass down stories of past rivalry weeks to their children, while they create their own memories they can look back on during their lifetime. Only one team walks away with the win, but Battle of the Bridge represents something bigger than what is on the scoreboard. It brings pride to both communities and to both schools. It invites alumni, young and old, to remember what came before, during, and after their time in high school. It gives everyone a chance to continue to be a part of something bigger than themselves, a tradition that has stood the test of time. After a century of competition, the rivalry still stands, and the Battle of the Bridge continues to make history. By: Hadley Abercrombie