The long-standing athletic rivalry between Center Hill and Lewisburg high schools continued Oct. 12, with the Mustangs pummeling the Patriots 27-17 during the annual Battle of the Branch. The game was also Homecoming at The Hill.

“I hate Lewisburg with my whole heart,” said Eli Haberstroh, a member of Insane Stangs. “The rivalry will always be there. It’s like a family tradition.”

Haberstroh, a junior, was among the loyal fans who filled the student section and stormed the field after the win.

“I was very impressed with how many people came out,” he said. “The whole school comes together when we play them. It’s the biggest game we play all year.”

The hype is a boost to the players and coaches, head football coach Alan Peacock said.

“I think it’s a huge deal,” he said. “I want our student section to be the best in the county and the biggest in the county. We want people not just in football but all events from volleyball to basketball to baseball games. I think basketball and football are kind of the ones most come to, but I want to see a great crowd at the soccer games and things like that as well.”

As for the football game, Peacock said he was pleased with the win.

“I thought we played well,” he said. “The main thing is our kids went out and executed, especially on the offensive side. Early we had a couple of turnovers and that’s never good, but our kids kept fighting and kept after it, and defense made plays at the end when they had to, so I thought overall we played a pretty good game.”

Peacock said there were many players of note during the Lewisburg game.

“Some guys on offense made big plays,” he said. “Greg Thomas had a huge catch. Daverick Hardin had a huge run. Dylan Riley did a great job blocking all night, and Justin Buckingham had a huge block on Daverick’s long run.”

On defense, linebacker Derryen Hobbs was among the players who performed well, Peacock said, adding that defensive back Jaquez Hardin led the team in tackles.

“He’s been a really great addition to our defense,” Peacock said about Hardin, who also plays basketball at CHHS.

During halftime of the Lewisburg game, the Homecoming Court was presented and senior Holland Watson was crowned Homecoming Queen.

“I am very honored and very happy to represent the school,” Watson said. “I’m thankful for those who voted for me.”

The Mustangs, now 5-4, host Lafayette Oct. 19.