Sheets of rain pelted players and fans alike midway through the third quarter, as the field and bleachers emptied and the green and navy clad fanatics ran for cover. But regardless of the score or the weather or the time remaining, committed fans and players refilled Woodforest Bank Stadium 34 minutes later.

Not even an act of God could stop The Woodlands and College Park from finishing the Nov. 1 football game.

After a close first half that saw the Cavaliers take an early 7-0 lead, The Woodlands Highlanders pulled away to win 31-10. The victory gave the Highlanders a share of the district 14-5A title and a 7-1 all-time lead in the series with College Park, according to Max Preps. College Park may be the new kid on the block among a rich history of high school sports in The Woodlands, but that has not prevented the two schools from forming a heated rivalry since the school opened in 2006.

"It is [fun to play this game], especially in the community that we live in with College Park and us being so close and the kids knowing each other so well," said Mark Schmid, TWHS head football coach and athletic director. "It's a fun atmosphere. We, as coaches, know that there's a lot on the line. There are bragging rights and things like that. It is a great atmosphere for the kids."

Disappointed by a defeat that eliminated the Cavaliers from postseason contention, College Park head coach and athletic director Richard Carson said playing in the rivalry every year puts pressure on his squad. However, Carson said the rivalry is fun for the players and coaches.

"You've got a rivalry in The Woodlands and you play [against] a school that's [the size of a] 4A school bigger than you, and so that puts pressure on you," Carson said. "That's why you coach and why you play to be in an atmosphere like this. You want to play in games that mean something."