Be it basketball, football, or multiple sports — which Peoria-area high school rivalry is the best? Vote now.
With the high school sports season behind us, it’s time to look back.
This is the sixth poll in a series the Journal Star will roll out this summer, asking readers to select various superlatives across the 2024-25 season — including top team, coach, plus male and female athlete.
It’s time to name the best Peoria-area rivalries. Head to pjstar.com/sports to vote. The poll closes at noon Friday. Information about the nominees is below.
If you have a nominee for next week’s top high school football stadium, email us at [email protected] or tag us on Twitter @pjstarsports. Last week, Lewistown was named the fans’ choice for the best high school basketball gym.
Peoria High vs. Manual
This is premier local high school basketball rivalry. This past season saw these two teams play three games that were decided by a total of eight points. Not only do the Lions and Rams battle in the River City, but are two of the state's most successful programs. Manual collected its 17th state trophy this past season, while Peoria High is No. 2 with 14.
Metamora vs. Washington
Two of the best Mid-Illini Conference football teams have gone back and forth since the league was created in 1982. The Panthers lead the all-time conference series 22-21, winning the last four in a row. However, that span has also seen Metamora win five of six playoff games including games decided 10 points or less three times.
Deer Creek-Mackinaw vs. Tremont
These two schools are separated by 8 miles, making for the aptly named "Route 9 Rivalry." These two Heart of Illinois Conference schools go back and forth in every sport, looking to hold bragging rights over each other. The next edition of this rivalry comes Week 2 of the high school football season when Dee-Mack travels to Tremont.
Peoria Heights vs. Peoria Christian
These two small-schools are less than 2 miles a part across War Memorial Drive, but things have heated up in recent years. These two have started playing for the "War on War Memorial" traveling trophy. Currently, PCS holds the trophy after a 6-4 baseball win on April 25, erasing a four-run deficit.
Richwoods vs. Peoria Notre Dame
Of all the Peoria-area rivals, these two Peoria schools are the closest, located just 1.6 miles apart. PND heads up Glen Avenue and down University Street to visit the Knights, who make the reverse trip to The Kitchen. There's borderline bad blood between these two schools extends across all sports.
Adam Duvall is a Journal Star sports reporter. Email him at [email protected]. Follow him on Twitter @AdamDuvall.
This article originally appeared on Journal Star: IHSA sports: Vote for best high school rivalry in Peoria, Illinois
Category: General Sports
