The Kentucky-Louisville rivalry originated in 1913 and, now a century and some change later, fans still get to witness the two go at it, no matter the sport. 

UK fans are accustomed to marking the Louisville Cardinals on their calendars — and vice versa — whether it’s a basketball matchup at Rupp Arena or a battle for the Governor’s Cup.

Now, as high school football gains traction and popularity in the state of Kentucky like never before, the rivalry has even dipped below the college level.

On Friday, Oct. 4, the No. 1 Louisville Male Bulldogs, visited the No. 4 Frederick Douglass Broncos for a highly-anticipated top 10 matchup in Lexington. 

Central Kentuckians were able to witness the first matchup between these two teams ever, thanks in part to Frederick Douglass’ short history as a school and shorter time as a KHSAA class 6A football program. 

In the star-studded matchup, both teams featured commits to notable collegiate programs including the junior running back Antonio Harris, who committed to the Louisville Cardinals, and Broncos senior edge rusher Cedric Works, who committed to Kentucky.

The game began with little tempo and both teams turning the ball over and punting at least once, but, after a Broncos fumble on the first play of the drive, Bulldogs quarterback Jordan Williams connected with Harris for his first touchdown of the night to take an early lead on the road.

Douglass, preventing Male for celebrating too long, then drove the entirety of the field in only two-and-a-half minutes, tying the ball game 7-7 as time expired in the first quarter.

Then, seconds into the second quarter, Harris caught another pass, the time going 73 yards for his second touchdown of the night.

Making matters worse, the Bronco punt team were unsuccessful in moving the ball, giving the Bulldogs great field position to do more damage. 

Sure enough, shortly after, Williams connected with Harris again, continuing an already monster night to make the score 21-7. 

Pharo Watts then led a quick, run-heavy drive for the Broncos, answering in only three minutes to keep the game within an arm’s reach.

Before the half, fans were treated to a perfect one-on-one matchup between Works and Isaac Sowells, who is one of the highest ranked offensive lineman in the state of Kentucky. 

Works would look to lead his defense in the second-half, attempting to get his team fired up on the sideline, but, despite an athletic effort from the Kentucky commit and his team, Male would drain more than half of the third quarter on one drive before Williams found an open Camden Angelini to give the Bulldogs a 28-14 lead.

Douglass, again, responded quickly to get back within one score, but as Male was forced to punt on its next possession, the Broncos’ return man was leveled far before catching the ball, sending the fans into a frenzy and, despite earning the penalty, changing the mood of the crowd for the rest of the night.

It was shortly after when Harris caught a pass, juked defenders and was tackled out of bounds after a big gain before he yelled in pain, sitting down and complaining to an official that someone from the Broncos sideline had stepped on his leg.

While Harris would eventually walk back to his own sideline just fine, the atmosphere remained tense in the stadium.

Works took the opportunity to hype up several players, moments after forcing a pass breakup, jumping at least five yards backwards to tip the ball.

After another lengthy Male drive and some penalties on fourth down against the Broncos, the Bulldogs extended their lead to 10.

Continuing the shootout, on fourth and long, Bronco Aveion Chenualt toe-tapped on the sideline, avoiding defenders and going all the way to the endzone for a 38-yard touchdown. 

Douglass, attempting a shot at a miracle win against the No. 1 team, set up for an onside kick but, while the kicking team had the ball in its hands, it coughed it up and Male was able to recover.

From there, the Bulldogs kneeled, winning 31-28 despite playing just five days prior. 

Up next, Frederick Douglass will travel to Madison Central and face the No. 8 Indians on Friday, Oct. 11, for another top 10 matchup. Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m. ET. Louisville Male will host Southern.