Rivalry week has arrived, and three tradition-rich matchups headline Friday night: Washington–Purcell, Blanchard–Newcastle, and Wayne–Lexington. Each carries decades of history, dramatic momentum swings, and the kind of bragging rights that linger long after the final whistle.
Washington at Purcell — War on 74
Series trend (recent): Washington has won 10 straight regular-season meetings (2015–2024), plus a 2020 playoff win. Purcell’s last victory: 2014 (20–0).
Last five (regular season):
- 2024 — Washington 48–14
- 2023 — Washington 40–0
- 2022 — Washington 40–7
- 2021 — Washington 42–13
- 2020 — Washington 40–27 (Playoffs 2020: 49–7)
Numbers that matter: Washington has a +149 point differential across the last five regular-season games (210–61), an average margin of ~30.
How Washington wins: Early-down efficiency → play-action on schedule → red-zone finish rate. The Warriors have repeatedly seized control before halftime with perimeter touches and run-game balance that keep the chains short.
How Purcell flips it:
- Explosives: At least 2 chunk plays (30+ yards) to prevent Washington from sitting on routes.
- Money downs: Force 3rd-and-7+; win two-minute defense at the end of halves.
- Hidden yards: Net field position via special teams (kick coverage, a plus return, or a pin at the 10).
X-factors: Washington’s first 12 scripted snaps; Purcell’s first defensive series on a short field (after a return or takeaway).
Editor’s Food Pick (on the way): Jo’s Famous Pizza — Purcell.
Blanchard at Newcastle — Tri-City Showdown
Series trend (recent): Blanchard has won four straight (2021–2024) and 8 of the last 9 overall (no game in 2020). Newcastle’s most recent win: 2019 (37–14).
Last five:
- 2024 — Blanchard 14–10
- 2023 — Blanchard 28–13
- 2022 — Blanchard 19–0
- 2021 — Blanchard 20–13
- 2019 — Newcastle 37–14
Numbers that matter: In Blanchard’s four-game streak, Newcastle has averaged 9.0 ppg, while Blanchard has lived in the 19–28 range behind field position and defense.
How Blanchard wins: Control the line of scrimmage on early downs, keep the game between the tackles, and let the pass rush earn favorable 3rd-and-longs. Offensively, lean into short-yardage success and four-minute offense when ahead.
How Newcastle flips it:
- Ball security: Neutralize negative plays and giveaways; this rivalry tightens fast without free yards.
- Verticals off play-action: Hit two shots to back the safeties off; force Blanchard into lighter boxes.
- Finish drives: TDs > FGs in the red zone — especially after sudden-change takeaways.
X-factors: Blanchard’s punt unit (can they pin inside the 15?) vs. Newcastle’s explosives (a lone deep ball can swing a possession game).
Editor’s Food Pick (on the way): Creek Bottom Burgers & BBQ — Newcastle.
Wayne at Lexington — Bulldogs vs. Bulldogs
Series trend (recent): Momentum has swung hard both ways. Wayne won three straight (2020–2022) — including 55–16 and 46–6 — before Lexington answered with back-to-back shutouts (2023–2024), 53–0 combined.
Last five:
- 2024 — Lexington 32–0
- 2023 — Lexington 21–0
- 2022 — Wayne 55–16
- 2021 — Wayne 46–6
- 2020 — Wayne 22–21
Numbers that matter: The winner of the last five has averaged 35.2 ppg; when either side controls the trenches, it snowballs quickly.
How Lexington wins: Front-seven discipline — set edges, rally tackle, force obvious passing downs; win short fields through special teams and turnovers.
How Wayne flips it:
- Early misdirection/counter: Create chunk runs on 1st/2nd down to avoid 3rd-and-long.
- Perimeter touches: Quick game to widen the box, then hit gap-scheme runs back inside.
- Special teams spark: A return, blocked kick, or downed punt at the 5 can tilt the math.
X-factors: Third-and-short conversion rate; red-zone trips that end in 7.
Editor’s Food Pick (on the way): Sonny’s Café — Purcell.
Editor’s Food Picks — Quick List
- War on 74: Jo’s Famous Pizza (Purcell)
- Tri-City Showdown: Creek Bottom Burgers & BBQ (Newcastle)
- Wayne at Lexington: Sonny’s Café (Purcell)
Three rivalries. Three communities. One Friday night of statement games.
Canadian Valley Sports 
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