It was game in search of a rivalry.

For decades, Tomball High has been host to the Patriotic Show. It was a Tomball original, played right here at Cougar Stadium behind the school.

For the visiting team, it was just another game, but one with an extra long halftime.

In 2011, Tomball Memorial was built, and for the first time, Tomball High School had another high school in the district. This sparked a rivalry between the schools that has also become the core of the Patriotic Show.

“This game is close to an NFL game to us players because with almost 15,000 fans in the crowd, it’s just a different type of game than any other one this season,” varsity quarterback Jaxyn Falden said. 

“I think the rivalry is amazing, and I think it’s amazing because I know that Tomball High School is going to win the football game, and they’re amazing, and I know they’re going to be ready and prepared,” Principal Kim McKinney said.

The rivalry has become a significant part of the community at Tomball, impacting not only the schools but also the broader community.

“I think it is the best community event that we do in Tomball ISD by far,” McKinney said. 

The Cougars have been practicing hard, getting ready to play good football.

“We practice every day like it’s going to be a game,” Falden said. “ Nothing is going to change; a couple of our seniors are going to leave, but we are definitely still going to put up a fight.”

The show isn’t just about football, but it’s also about showcasing the school’s talents in fine arts and extracurricular activities.

“We have been rehearsing with this band since August, and the process for excellence starts,” band director Gordan Janda said.

 The NJROTC at Tomball interacts with veterans to show their appreciation for serving our country, hosting a dinner for veterans in the stadium’s conference center before the game.

“We serve them food, and also do community service with our own people,” Commanding Officer Isabella Quintanilla said. “We are just grateful for the things the veterans do, and we express that before the game starts, every single branch of the military.” 

The cadets, along with band, choir, Charms and cheerleaders, all mingle with their Memorial counterparts for one big, unified show.

“It really means hometown spirit to us as we use the rivalry to bring us together, and because of that, we get together with Tomball Memorial and perform together as one big program, which makes it so unique and so school spirited,” varsity cheerleader Brodie Brenan said. “ It’s definitely a great opportunity to show off our talents, and we are all super excited to perform.”

But at the end of the day, the night is still a football game between rival schools.

“The Patriotic Game means a lot,” said varsity tight end Miles Roy. “It’s kinda the last game I have with my friends, and it’s a big rivalry game, the most important one of the season, so it means a lot and I want to try my best during this game.”