When it comes to North Texas football, few rivalries carry the weight and tradition of Denison vs Sherman. These two storied programs are set to meet once again, this time in a non-conference clash at Sherman High School on Friday, August 29, 2025, at 7 p.m.
Here’s what you need to know:
What: Texas High School Football
Who: Denison vs Sherman
When: Friday, August 29, 2025
Time: 7:00 p.m. ET
Live stream: Watch here Now
The Yellow Jackets and Bearcats may both enter the season at 0-0, but history shows that this game rarely feels like a simple opener. With pride, community bragging rights, and momentum for the rest of the year on the line, the stakes are always high when Denison and Sherman meet on the gridiron.
Rankings and Records
Denison Yellow Jackets (2025-26 Season)
- National Rank: 2,510
- Texas Rank: 357
- Section Rank: 100
- Division Rank: 47
- Overall Record: 0-0
Denison enters the 2025 campaign with higher preseason rankings compared to their rivals. The Yellow Jackets, ranked inside the Texas top 400, are viewed as a team with strong upside. Their ranking reflects both returning talent and a program with a history of making noise in competitive matchups.
Sherman Bearcats (2025-26 Season)
- National Rank: 4,469
- Texas Rank: 552
- Section Rank: 244
- Division Rank: 71
- Overall Record: 0-0
The Bearcats begin their season lower in the preseason standings but bring tradition, energy, and home-field advantage into this rivalry. Sherman’s strength lies in its athleticism and ability to rise to the occasion when facing familiar foes.
Record Breakdown
Both teams are starting fresh with identical preseason slates:
- Overall Record: 0-0
- League Record: 0-0
- Non-League Record: 0-0
- Head-to-Head: No 2025 results yet
- Home/Away/Neutral Records: 0-0 across the board
- Playoff Appearances: Reset at 0-0
- In-State/Out-of-State: No games yet played
This blank canvas only adds to the intensity. The Denison vs Sherman opener will be the first opportunity for either team to prove they are prepared to make a run this season.
Spotlight on the Rivalry
While this matchup may be listed as non-conference, anyone familiar with Texas high school football knows that Denison vs Sherman is much more than just another game.
- The two schools are separated by fewer than 10 miles, giving the contest a true community rivalry feel.
- Fans on both sides circle this date on their calendars every year, ensuring a packed stadium and a playoff-like environment even in Week 1.
- Players grow up knowing the significance of this battle, making it one of the most emotional and hard-fought games of the season.
What to Expect Friday Night
Denison Yellow Jackets
The Yellow Jackets’ path to victory lies in execution and composure. With strong preseason rankings, Denison enters with the edge on paper, but the real test will be whether they can impose their style of play in a hostile road environment. Expect the Yellow Jackets to lean on their physical defense and a balanced offense that can both pound the ball on the ground and strike through the air when opportunities arise.
Sherman Bearcats
For the Bearcats, the formula is simple: feed off the home crowd and attack early. Sherman has a knack for making big plays in rivalry games, and their ability to control the tempo could turn the tide. If the Bearcats’ offensive line holds strong, look for their quarterback and skill players to push the pace against Denison’s defense.
Keys to Victory
For Denison:
- Stay Disciplined: Road games are won with composure, especially in rivalry atmospheres.
- Control the Line of Scrimmage: Winning in the trenches will set the tone on both sides of the ball.
- Limit Turnovers: Protecting the football will be critical to keeping Sherman from gaining momentum.
For Sherman:
- Feed Off Home Energy: Using the crowd as fuel could give the Bearcats an edge early.
- Exploit Big Plays: Quick strikes and explosive drives may keep Denison’s defense guessing.
- Defend the Run: Forcing Denison to rely heavily on passing could tilt the matchup.
Players to Watch
Denison
- Quarterback: Needs to manage the game and make smart reads under pressure.
- Running Back: A workhorse capable of controlling tempo.
- Defensive Leaders: Key to slowing down Sherman’s explosive plays.
Sherman
- Quarterback: Expected to be the emotional leader, setting the tone with both arm and legs.
- Wide Receivers: Speedy playmakers who could stretch the field against Denison’s secondary.
- Linebackers: Critical in disrupting Denison’s rushing attack.
Atmosphere at Sherman High School
Sherman’s home field will be buzzing with energy on Friday night. The community support is unmatched, and rivalry games often pack the stands well beyond typical capacity. With the energy of the home crowd behind them, the Bearcats will look to rattle Denison early. However, the Yellow Jackets are no strangers to hostile environments and will relish the opportunity to spoil Sherman’s opener.
Why This Game Matters
Every Texas high school football game carries weight, but this one is unique:
- Momentum Builder: A win in Denison vs Sherman sets the tone for the rest of the season.
- Community Pride: Rivalries define legacies in towns like Denison and Sherman, making this opener more than just another contest.
- Measuring Stick: Both programs will get a real-time assessment of their strengths and weaknesses before league play begins.
Prediction
This game has all the ingredients of a thriller: passionate fans, two teams with everything to prove, and a rivalry that runs deep. Denison may hold the statistical and ranking edge, but Sherman’s home-field advantage levels the playing field.
Projected Score: Denison 24, Sherman 21
Expect a hard-fought battle that comes down to the final minutes. Denison’s balance and discipline could provide the narrow edge, but Sherman will not make it easy.
Final Thoughts
The Denison vs Sherman rivalry is more than a football game—it’s a tradition, a community event, and a source of pride for both towns. As the 2025 season kicks off, all eyes in North Texas will be on Sherman High School for this highly anticipated showdown.
Whether you’re rooting for the Yellow Jackets or the Bearcats, one thing is certain: when the lights shine on Friday night, this battle will deliver the drama, energy, and excitement that define Texas High School Football events.
Get ready for four quarters of intensity, passion, and unforgettable moments. The season starts here, and the rivalry continues.
