TYLER, Texas — Two East Texas high school rivals meet Saturday in the quarterfinals of the UIL High School Football Playoffs. Chapel Hill and Kilgore are two successful football programs with some supportive fans.
Travis Martin and Debbie Dark are two of the biggest high school football fans in East Texas.
Dark is a Chapel Hill superfan who was born into her fandom. Her mother was a graduate and cheerleader for Chapel Hill in the 70s.
"My family and I have been going to games, like I said since 1971. (I) have never missed a football playoff game. Ever. Since we’ve been in the playoffs, (I've) never missed a game," Dark said.
Martin is the vice president of the Kilgore Football Booster Club.
"Oh yes, I’ve been an active booster club member for 29 years. And in the 29 years, I haven’t missed two halves of a game," Martin said
Originally a West Rusk Raider, his son paved a new path.
"And he went to Kilgore, and I believe in supporting your kids," Martin said. "Right upon a good coaching staff for those 20 years, we had some great coaches, and we’re all like family, so that’s why I hang around."
The weather looks clear for gameday tomorrow, but if you ask fans from either of these schools, it doesn't matter. Because they’re going to pack the stadium, whether it’s rain or shine.
"We’re crazy fans. We have our bells, we have cowbells, we have shakers that have rocks or pennies in them, and we just make a lot of noise. And we get real rowdy," Dark said.
"Probably everybody will be at Longview instead of Kilgore Friday night. The only people left here will be the red lights. So it’s gonna be a lot of excitement, a lot of fun," Martin said.
Chapel Hill and Kilgore will meet Saturday at 7 p.m. at Lobo Stadium.