The Brown Jug Returns to River Falls

Our community came together tonight for a much anticipated match-up under the Friday Night Lights.  River Falls battled long-time rival Hudson in their first Big Rivers Conference game of the season.  Both had a blemish on their record to a common opponent, so many expected it to be a toss-up.  This game is a significant one every year because the two play for a traveling trophy known as the The Little Brown Jug.  It had been a decade since that ceramic jug had taken rest in the trophy case at RFHS.

The parking lot was completely full.  People parked on the university's grass and the streets nearby were full of cars.  There were more people in Dave Smith stadium than I've ever seen for a sporting event at Ramer Field.  I recall a time in the early 90's when the Vikings and Chiefs scrimmaged each other and there were people all over the grounds.  Tonight was even more impressive than that.

There was also plenty of excitement during game time.  The student sections of both teams cheered loudly and were dressed in a chosen theme (RF: whiteout, Hudson: camo).  There was even a little back-and-forth banter.

It was a close game in the first half, however, the Wildcats came back in the second half and had 3 big interceptions and 4 touchdowns for the victory.  Not only did the Wildcats reclaim the jug, they shook the proverbial monkey off the backs of the coaching staff and others within the district.

Coaches and teachers in our district cannot say enough about how fun the culture has become at RFHS with a competitive and thriving football team.  It drives the culture in other sports the entire season.  It also brings our community together in a very important way.  Friday night was a good as it gets for students in high school (and younger).