On September 22, the Hahnville and Destrehan High School football teams faced off at Tiger Stadium… And while the players were gearing up for the game the student sections were too. These groups of fans bring so much energy – creating an enthusiastic atmosphere every Friday night.

And it’s not just as simple as showing up each week. There’s more coordination involved, specifically from the Student Councils of each school. Destrehan Student Council President Kamryn Boyne said making posters and themes for the students section is all part of their efforts to amp up that energy.

“The rivalry between Hahnville and Destrehan, there is nothing else like it. It’s something that gets the parish all together. Everyone comes out for that game. It’s just different from anything else we have at Destrehan,” said Boyne.

And the same goes for Hahnville… Student Council President Madison Thomas says the preparation before each game is key to keeping things fun and the spirits high.  There is also a unique kind of energy that rolls around during rivalry week… Energy that cannot be compared.

“Student Council helps prepare for the Battle on the River game because we spread out school spirit around the school. I hope to see a fun atmosphere at the game and see nothing but Hahnville spirit. Have a sense of pride towards our school,” said Thomas.

And when the Friday night lights hit the field, the students are grouped up and ready to support their team. It’s something they believe can change the course of the game.

“If I had to describe the energy in the student section, it’s very lively. Fun. Kind of hectic, but you know, we all do our thing,” said Hahnville High School student Lincoln Dumas.

“The rivalry between Destrehan and Hahnville is obviously massive. And it definitely hypes up the game and keeps everyone in a nice way that doesn’t like each other. So we’ve all got to be motivated and show out, bigger than the other team,” said Destrehan High School student Thomas Archer.

While the schools are rooting against each other, there’s one thing they can all agree on… The hype between both schools and the proximity makes this rivalry like no other.