The Tomball vs. Tomball Memorial rivalry has become a major part of local sports culture, bringing out strong competition while still keeping things respectful. This matchup, fueled by the schools’ shared city, has grown into one of the biggest traditions in Tomball athletics.
The history and tradition behind each school add to the intensity of the rivalry. Both teams take pride in their programs and want to prove themselves whenever they compete.
“This rivalry started by being in the same city,” said Coach Chase Reneau, one of the football coaches.
Because the schools are so close, the competition between them is even more intense.
“Tomball, being the original school, works to uphold its legacy, while Tomball Memorial is focused on making a name for itself,” said Track Coach Clark.
This rivalry has brought out strong school spirit, uniting the community.
“The rivalry is a good source of spirit between our schools. The community gets behind their school, and it makes for a healthy and fun experience for our students, staff, and community,” said Chris Scott, former Tomball High student and current principal.
These games are some of the biggest events of the year, packing the stands with fans from all over Tomball.
“These contests are one of the most heavily attended events of the year, and it’s good to see the stands filled with Tomball community spirit, regardless of what color they wear,” Scott said.
For the players, this rivalry feels personal. The stakes are high, and every game against Memorial means more than just another matchup on the schedule.
“It’s more personal when going against Memorial,” Owen Wright, junior defensive lineman said.
The excitement surrounding the game is something that players look forward to every season.
“It’s always exciting to go against Memorial,” said Jackson Havel, a wide receiver.
The intensity of the week leading up to the game pushes players to give it their all.
“It’s the most competitive week of the season,” said Barret Junod, a wide receiver.
Beyond competition, the rivalry strengthens the bonds between teammates and deepens their love for the game.
“It shows the bond between the teammates and shows the love for the game we have,” said Jaxyn Faldyn, a quarterback.
The rivalry isn’t just about the athletes on the field—it affects everyone involved.
“This rivalry makes people focus more, and it makes the patriotic show more heightened,” said Coach Reneau.
A key event in this rivalry is the annual Patriotic Game, which has become a fan favorite. With skydivers, fireworks, and a packed stadium, it’s more than just a game—it’s a celebration of the town’s spirit and pride.
Even though both teams want to win, the coaches stress that good sportsmanship is just as important.
“I have played them as a coach multiple time. All four years against them have been competitive, but good sportsmanship has been formed,” said Coach Reneau.
The respect between the schools is a major part of what makes this rivalry special. The players give their all, but they also understand that maintaining a strong and positive relationship within the district matters just as much as winning.
“I think modeling and verbalizing respect for TMHS is important. They want to win as much as we do, and I know their community cares about how our students and staff represent themselves as much as I do,” said Chris Scott.
Winning is always the goal, but the rivalry is about more than just the final score. It’s about playing hard while keeping the connection between the two schools and the community strong.
“While we do want to win the contest, we want to do it in a way that maintains a good relationship with our fellow Tomball ISD and Tomball community members,” said Chris Scott.
Because these games draw such large crowds, extra administrators are usually present to help manage the energy and keep things running smoothly.
“Typically for these events, we also have extra administration present due to crowd size, so this helps as well with managing spirited behavior during these contests,” said Chris Scott.
The Tomball vs. Tomball Memorial rivalry is more than just a game—it’s a tradition that unites the town, fuels competition, and creates lasting memories. It pushes athletes to their best, gives fans something to cheer for, and strengthens the pride that makes the Tomball community special. As the years go on, this rivalry will continue to be a defining part of Tomball sports.
