For the past 42 years, the Patriotic Show has been a staple in the Tomball community. Every family has the event circled on their calendar. Since the opening of cross-town rival, Tomball Memorial, the show has been the stomping grounds for one of the best, deeply rooted rivalries.

Coming into the eleventh year, Tomball Memorial has dominated the series over Tomball as they are now 7-3 since the 2012-2013 season.

In September 2021, Tomball began to change the tide of the series with a dramatic 48-35 win as the Cougars rolled to the playoffs.

With a virtually brand new team for both Tomball schools, a key goal is to stay disciplined. Many of these young players have not been in this environment with so much on the line. A game this late in the season can determine whether or not they can secure one of four playoff spots in this tough 15-6A District.

While every district game matters, for Tomball to secure one of four playoff spots early it is detrimental to win. At 3-0 in district, the Cougars have the upper hand with a bit more wiggle room than Memorial who are 1-2. Despite the 1-2 for Tomball Memorial, they have kept their games fairly close with teams like Klein Forest and Klein Collins.

Not only are bragging rights and a secured playoff position on the line, but it also makes the final half of district play far more simple, especially against some of the more powerful teams of Klein Forest, Klein Collins, and Klein Cain. It also allows new Head Coach, Dave Handal, to continue displaying a winning tradition, picking up where last year’s team left off.

With both teams graduating a large number of their players and Tomball gaining a new coaching staff the game has the potential to be one of the closest and is truly up for grabs. It is truly going to be about who wants it more.