Jonathan Eades

Varsity football players pose after the “Battle of Whataburger” game. From L to R: Miles Roeder, George Kugle, Boyd Holcomb, Read Liuzzi, Parker Kubitza and Oliver Eades.

The stands of Second Baptist’s stadium were packed with fans eagerly awaiting the “Battle of Whataburger,” the informal name for the football game between Kinkaid and Second Baptist. 

The game earned the name due to both student bodies visiting the same Whataburger restaurant, which is in close proximity to both schools. 

Senior offensive lineman Oliver Eades led the Falcons onto the field, holding the U.S. flag, to take on the Eagles of Second Baptist. The Falcons came into the game on a three-game winning streak, hoping to continue the trend. 

“Rankers have always been trying to rank us down,” said sophomore and defensive lineman Odell Winn. “They never had much belief in us. They still doubt us, but that just gives us more motivation, which puts us on top.” 

The Falcons got off to a slow start, with the score at halftime being 7-7, but the team managed to pull away in the second half and win 21-7. 

“We have the fight, the love between our players and coaches that helps put us on top, and that no other team has,” Winn said.

The Falcons are not only fueled by being underrated by third-party rankers but also being Southwestern Preparatory Conference champions in 2021 and 2022. 

The “Battle of Whataburger” game does not happen often, as Kinkaid and Second Baptist do not play in the same district. When it does, student sections are filled with excited spectators. 

Every game, the student section has a dedicated theme, and for the “Battle of Whataburger,” Kinkaid students showed up in their best superhero outfits.

“I loved the superhero theme,” said sophomore Jack Susman. “I loved going to the game because we always figure out how to win, even when we’re away.”

The football team is now in the full swing of conference play and is striving for yet another SPC championship win.