The annual matchup between Richland Two schools Spring Valley and Richland Northeast was voted as best high school football rivalry in the Midlands by readers from the The State Newspaper.

RNE-SV received 29 percent of the vote with Lexington-River Bluff coming in second.

Spring Valley-RNE rivalry goes back to 1978 and is tied all-time at 23-23 but the Vikings have won 10 straight in the series. The Sword and Saber Trophy is up for grabs when the two Richland 2 schools meet.

The nominees and polls are below. Thanks to everyone for voting.

Midlands’ best football rivalry

AC Flora vs. Dreher: The two Richland 1 schools aren’t in the same classification anymore, but it’s still a big game between two rivals who began playing in the 1960s.

Airport vs. Brookland-Cayce: The two Lexington 2 schools have a fierce rivalry that usually has a packed crowd on hand.

Batesburg-Leesville vs. Saluda: One of the more underrated rivalries in Class 2A that began in 1920.

Blythewood vs. Ridge View: Rivalry has become a must-see game between the two Richland 2 schools.

Camden vs. Lugoff-Elgin: The Wateree Rivalry dates back to 1978 and has been played every year since 1982, with the last several years played in the season opener.

Chapin vs. Mid-Carolina: Rivalry dates back to 1961, and the winner rings the victory bell each year.

Gilbert vs. Pelion: Two Lexington County schools have met more than 30 times since 1980.

Newberry vs. Mid-Carolina: It’s always a big game when the two Newberry County schools face off. Rivalry began in 1973 and played most every year since 1984.

River Bluff vs. Lexington: Rivalry turns 10 years old this year on the gridiron and usually draws a capacity crowd.

Spring Valley vs. Richland Northeast: The Sword and Saber Trophy is up for grabs when the two Richland 2 schools meet.

August 7, 2023 | State, The: Web Edition Articles (Columbia, SC)
Author/Byline: Lou Bezjak, The State | Section: prep_football