DANVILLE — The writers of John Travolta’s 1996 movie “Michael,” who scripted the words “Nothing Lasts,” obviously never heard of the Knox County football rivalry, the Devil-Dog game.
While it may not be Ohio State vs. Michigan, it is a game where win-loss records don’t matter. It’s the annual battle where the East Knox Bulldogs face off against the Danville Blue Devils.
This year’s game takes place Friday night at Danville and pits the Bulldogs (1-8 overall, 1-5 in the Knox Morrow Athletic Conference) against the Blue Devils (4-5, 2-4).
“We are going to be honoring any men who played in the first Devil-Dog game 65 years ago by asking them to come out onto the field for the coin toss on Friday night,” said Jill Lyons, Danville’s athletic director.
It would be nearly impossible to discuss the annual rivalry without mentioning Chet Looney, head coach at East Knox from 1971 until 2005.
To grasp the impact Looney had on East Knox football, if not the game in Knox County as a whole, all one needs to do is walk into the stadium in Howard and see the sign, Chet Looney Stadium.
“I was overwhelmed, I could not believe it,” the coach said when he learned of the stadium dedication. “I thought, ‘What is wrong with these people?’”
While it took Looney and his Bulldogs a season and a half to notch their first win, patience paid off.
The coach believes his crew of freshmen in 1971 learned together. By the time they were seniors, things were coming together.
“I think the kids finally got into what I was trying to do,” Looney said.
What he was trying to do was change a philosophy.
“Basically running the football and playing good defense. I think we averaged nine passes a game,” Looney said.
More than just bragging rights
Why such a long-lasting rivalry?
“There are only five miles between the two schools,” Looney explained. “The families all know each other.”
Fifteen years after the 1965 inaugural clash, it became a bit more than just bragging rights.
“I think it was in 1980 that it was decided to have a trophy for the winner to keep for a year,” Looney said.
Even though the rivalry is hard-hitting, the veteran coach said he is glad that it is not bitter.
“It has always been clean. The kids hit hard, but there are never any fights, and the games are clean,” Looney said. “I was always proud of that.”
Danville coach Matthew Blum said that while his team grasps the importance of the game, the preparation remains consistent.
“Obviously, it is a rivalry we deeply care about and emphasize,” Blum said. “However, when it comes to game planning, we approach it the same way we do for every opponent.”
Even though the plans remain the same, this is not just another game.
“We don’t view this as a weekly game,” Blum said. “This is something we talk about and work toward the entire year.
“We have a countdown clock that is in our weight room which ticks down every week of the year before the game.”
As for the longevity of the game, Blum agrees with Looney.
“I believe it is so strong because of how close the communities are and the people that played in it years ago and still care about it deeply,” he said.
Blum understands the historical value of the Devil-Dog games.
“Our kids and the entire school district are lucky to be a part of something like this,” he said.
The coach said that there is an added incentive for his team this year.
“With a win, our senior class will be 4-0 vs East Knox in their career,” Blum said. “That is something that has not been done since the senior class of 2018. This means a lot to our kids and our community.”
More than just a win
While there is no question that a win is important to each team, East Knox coach Andrew Beatty noted a bit of perspective earlier this year.
“Our perspective has changed. The eyes are on winning, but there is something way bigger than that, and it is a brother in need right now,” Beatty said.
The coach was speaking of senior captain Aiden Riggle, who is battling cancer.
Even though Riggle may not be in uniform, the number “51” jersey is prominently displayed on the Bulldog bench each game.
While the temperature is forecast to drop to 33 degrees on Friday, anyone who understands this game will know that staying warm will not be a problem.