Historic Sports Rivalries

: Most intense rivalry: Lacrosse.
Why it’s great: These all-girls schools boast similar missions, are separated by only about two-and-a-half miles of Main Line real estate, stress academics and are both Inter-Ac members. And if you think things get competitive on the field, wait until college admissions time.
Most recent matchup: Agnes Irwin 21, Baldwin 6 (May 1, 2014)

: Most intense rivalry: Football.
Why it’s great: The Fords and Royals have tangled on the gridiron since 1921 and now play for the T.A. Ranieri Commemorative Trophy. But the sides are bitter Central League rivals in everything, with plenty of hardware at stake. The boys’ cross-country teams battle for the Golden Shoe Trophy, and the girls run for the (we’re not kidding) Sports Bra Trophy.
Most recent matchup: Haverford 31, Upper Darby 13 (Nov. 28, 2013)

: Most intense rivalry: All fall sports.
Why it’s great: In the Route 29 Series, the schools clash in every sport on the same day. The winner of the most games claims the DeVault Cup for the year. It may lack the history of some other rivalries, but the competition is no less fierce.

: Most intense rivalry: Boys’ soccer.
Why it’s great: Although FCS tangles with Germantown Friends in all sports for the Felsen Cup, the climate has intensified greatly with Shipley in recent years. The schools regularly meet, with Friends Schools League primacy on the line, and both student bodies delight in heckling each other.
Most recent matchup: Shipley 2, FCS 1 (Oct. 29, 2013)

: Most intense rivalry: Field hockey.
Why it’s great: These two denizens of the Catholic Academies League have been competing against one another since the 1960s, and both are usually near the top of the standings in field hockey. Each has had success on the state level in recent years.
Most recent matchup: Villa Maria 2, Merion Mercy 0 (Oct. 15, 2013)

: Most intense rivalry: Football. Why it’s great: Believed to be the oldest continuous public school matchup in the country, this one has been played 117 straight years. At one point, 10,000 fans packed Villanova Stadium for the contest, which hasn’t had championship implications for a while but remains a fierce battle nonetheless. Most recent matchup: Radnor 33, Lower Merion 14 (Nov. 9, 2013)

: Most intense rivalry: Football.
Why it’s great: Haverford and EA have met on the football field 104 times since 1889. And while pigskin primacy is vital, the rivalry spills over into just about every facet of school culture, athletic or otherwise. The thirst for victory dominates both the gridiron and Ivy League admission rosters.
Most recent matchup: Haverford 27, EA 7 (Nov. 9, 2013)

: Most intense rivalry: Field hockey.
Why it’s great: The fall battle for “The Banner”—when four events are contested on one day—defines this rivalry. And field hockey is where the stakes are highest. EA coach Gina Buggy was hired away from AIS, and both teams boast some of the nation’s top recruited talent.
Most recent matchup: EA 1, Agnes Irwin, 1 (Nov. 8, 2013)

: Most intense rivalry: Football.
Why it’s great: Anybody who watched O’Hara charge back from 15 points down to claim an overtime win during the regular season last year knows what we’re talking about.
Most recent matchup: Bonner 41, O’Hara 38 (Nov. 3, 2013)

: Most intense rivalry: Everything. Why it’s great: Henderson and East have been vying for borough rights for decades, and the introduction of a third combatant has only given fans more reason to turn out for games. There’s always excitement on the football field—and plenty of drama everywhere else. Last year’s wrestling match between Henderson and Rustin was a wild 31-31 tie that was awarded to Henderson on the basis of more pins.