The Branson Pirates and Harrison Goblins will renew their cross-state football rivalry later this month when the teams meet Friday, Aug. 28, at 7 p.m. in Branson. Both Branson’s published schedule and Harrison’s official athletics schedule list the matchup.
The game will mark the third consecutive season the two programs have met after the varsity series returned in 2024 following a gap of roughly 40 years. That first renewed matchup became a two-day affair after lightning forced the game to be stopped at halftime. Branson eventually earned a 23-7 victory.
Harrison answered last season on its home field. The Goblins built a 21-7 halftime advantage before Branson rallied, eventually tying the game at 27 in the fourth quarter. Harrison scored the deciding touchdown and held on for a 34-27 win.
That leaves the renewed Border Battle series even at one win apiece heading into this year’s meeting.
The matchup has quickly developed into an early-season regional showcase, bringing together two programs separated by the Missouri-Arkansas state line and two communities already closely connected throughout the Ozarks.
Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. Friday, Aug. 28, in Branson. Harrison’s current schedule shows the Goblins traveling to Branson for the contest, while Branson lists Harrison as its first varsity opponent of the 2026 schedule.
