NEW BRAUNFELS, Texas – The town of New Braunfels is buzzing with anticipation as the 2024 Wurst Bowl approaches, pitting rivals New Braunfels and New Braunfels Canyon against each other at Cougar Stadium this Friday in week two of the high school football season.

The annual clash is more than just a football game; it’s a tradition that divides the community into red and blue, setting aside friendships for the thrill of competition.

“It’s awesome, it’s a huge rivalry game,” said New Braunfels head coach Brad Molder. “Especially when you’re friends with the head coach — I want them to win every game, but one.”

“What makes it even more fun is obviously coach (Brad) Molder (does) a great job. I’ve known him for a long time; he’s a friend of mine, minus this week,” Canyon head coach Sean McAuliffe added.

It’s not just the two coaches who have a history outside of the Wurst Bowl; players on both teams have grown up together in the tight-knit New Braunfels community.

“(It’s) probably one of the most important games we play because the whole town shows up, and whoever wins this determines what color this town will be — red or blue,” said Canyon cornerback/safety Tapiwa Hananda. “The last two years, it’s been red, and we’re going to keep it going for another year.”

The Cougars may be trailing in the all-time series, but they are hungry for a win after claiming victory in the last two encounters, including a nail-biting 32-28 win last year.

“It’s something I’ve always watched growing up, and now that I’m older, it’s really cool to be in it,” said Canyon junior running back Jackson Regan. “It’s a small town Texas rivalry, it’s historic, it’s big.”

“I remember watching it as a kid,” said New Braunfels senior quarterback Clayton Namken. “It’s just awesome getting to play in it. We’re all super excited. We’re out here at 6 am practicing and wouldn’t want to be anywhere else.”

New Braunfels, boasting a roster of 18 returning lettermen, launched their season with a dominant 48-0 win over Madison in week one.

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KSAT will air the Wurst Bowl live on the BGC App at 7:30 p.m. from Canyon Stadium, featuring New Braunfels versus New Braunfels Canyon.

Prior to kickoff, be sure to catch the new live pre-game show, KSAT Gameday, broadcasting from Canyon Stadium at 6:30 p.m.

For more reporting and to watch highlights and full games, visit the Big Game Coverage page.