Freedom vs McDowell-End of Era

Tonight.s 36th meeting of the Titans and Patriots
will be the last game, for the forseeable future, as
conference foes....These old rivals have squared
off every year since Freedom opened in 1973.
The first two games, 1973 & 1974, saw both
schools in the old Class 3A Northwestern Conference.
Between 1975 and !984 they battled in the old
Class 4A Western Conference and since the 1985
season have met as members of the Class 4A
Northwestern Conference.
Even though the schools have more of a rivalry in
basketball, the game has been good for Burke and
McDowell Counties.
Freedom leads the series 21-14 and has won
6 straight.
Enjoy it, it's the end of a special 35 years.
It will not be the same.

 

Back in the summer McDowell High released to the media a schedule of both the 08 and 09 seasons. Of course 09 is the first year we join the Mountain Athletic Conference. From what we received, McDowell and Freedom will play next year in a non-conference matchup in Marion.

That said, what you have stated was well written. It's been a special time period for both McDowell County and Western Burke County. There's such a big bond between the areas to where the rivaly has held on. But I feel that it won't ever be the same not only for us leaving but for the fact that the City of Morganton has a 2nd High School now.

 

A big 3 for the end of what is a truly special rivalry. At times heated, but its always been a very competitive and respectful rivalry. I just hope Freedom can go back to 4A when realignment comes again around 2013.

It's gonna be a really bittersweet period when these two old friends clash for the final times during basketball.