Nancy Bonds, GCCISD Director of Communications
The excitement surrounding one of Goose Creek CISD’s longeststanding rivalries received a Houston-area spotlight Friday, August 28, as FOX 26 brought Friday Football Fever to Robert E. Lee and Ross S. Sterling high schools ahead of the annual Lee-Sterling football game.
FOX 26 visited both campuses Friday morning for live, pep rally-style features showcasing the students, spirit, and traditions behind the cross-town rivalry. Hours later, the Ganders and Rangers met on the field for the Friday evening matchup, with Sterling earning a 31-10 victory.
This year’s game carried added significance as Sterling celebrates the 60th anniversary of its 1966 opening. The arrival of the district’s second high school also marked the beginning of a football rivalry that has brought generations of GCCISD students and families together for six decades.
At Lee, senior twins Luis and Tommy Gonzalez represented the Ganders and shared what it means to prepare for their final season together. Both are members of Lee’s offensive line and students in the Maritime Academy.
Luis, a four-year varsity player who wears No. 73 at left guard, described the commitment that goes into preparing for Friday nights. His day begins at 5:00 AM for practice, followed by a full school day and additional time after school for weights and film.
Tommy, No. 56, is a twoyear varsity player who contributes at left tackle and on special teams. He said the Ganders entered the season determined to show their growth.
At Sterling, seniors Kahmari Houke and Noah Benitez represented the Rangers during the Friday Football Fever feature. Houke, No. 2, is a threeyear varsity player who contributes on both sides of the ball as a defensive back and receiver. He pointed to the Rangers’ physicality and communication as team strengths.
“We play together and communicate well,” Houke said. “We’re physical on defense, and we have big goals for this season.”
Benitez, No. 13, entered his fourth varsity season as the Rangers’ quarterback and a team captain.
“Being a captain means a lot because it shows that the team trusts me,” Benitez said. “We’re confident, and we want to show that we’re not the same team we were last year.”
The energy showcased during Friday morning’s FOX 26 features carried into the evening as the teams took the field for another chapter in the 60- year rivalry. Sterling came away with the victory in the milestone matchup, giving the Rangers an early- season win over their cross-town rival.
From the early-morning celebrations on both campuses to Friday night kickoff, the day highlighted a tradition that has remained part of GCCISD for six decades while giving today’s student-athletes a chance to carry it forward.
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