The Columbia area has some intense football rivalries, and The State would like your help in deciding the best one.

Ten rivalries have been selected to choose from, with all of our coverage area’s counties represented. Voting starts now at thestate.com/sports and runs until noon on Monday, Aug. 14. The winner will be announced on Lou Bezjak’s Twitter page.

The nominees and polls are below, and you can vote as much as you like. Please note that these polls are not scientific and are meant to be just for fun:

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.

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.

Lou Bezjak: (803) 771-8419, @LouatTheState

August 8, 2023 | State, The (Columbia, SC)
Author/Byline: Lou Bezjak; Staff Writer | Page: 1B | Section: Sports