On August 29, 2025, the annual football Battle of the Birds between Great Crossing High School and Scott County High School occurred. Fans from all sides of the county gathered at Birds Nest Stadium to watch the intense rivalry between the two schools. Unfortunately, it ended in a loss for the Warhawks with a score of 42-21.
Senior Will Braunm, a member of the Great Crossing football team, felt that the expectation going into the game was for the Great Crossing team to work hard and have a good game. Braunm acknowledged that it was tough for the team to see the scoreboard not be in the Warhawks favor throughout the game, and that made it difficult for the Warhawks to stay positive. However Braunm stated, “The encouragement and support from those in the stands helped the team, and I personally work to keep our energy up and continue to work hard until the very end.”
Great Crossing quarterback junior Sam Penn had the hopes of getting a win over SCHS, but his primary goal was for the team to just play well as a group, no matter the result. Penn said “Even though we didn’t win, as long as we play hard and do good as a team, that’s all that matters.”
Yet, even when they felt down during the game, the boost from the student section and cheering helped bring them back up. Senior Travanti Cooper was one of the many students in the Kettle during Battle of the Birds. He encouraged all students to show their spirit and support their peers, even if they are typically more reserved. “You need to get out of your comfort zone and cheer,” Cooper said.
The Battle of the Bird, regardless of who wins or loses, has become a favorite event for sports fans and an important part of Scott County’s culture, bringing together many families, fans and businesses in support of the school district.
