GROESBECK, Texas — The Mexia Blackcats dominated Groesbeck with a 41-13 victory Friday night.
It was an emotional night for Mexia as they took the field for the first time without their late teammate, Micah Kirven.
"We're gonna play our hearts out, try to win the game and him passing made us wanna play extra hard and win the game for him," said senior running back Jacques Cooper.
Friday's win for the Blackcats was their first win over Groesbeck since 2017. The Battle of the River is one of the longest rivalries still played in Central Texas, dating back to 1901.
Before the game kicked off, tributes poured in for Kirven, a three-sport athlete. The Blackcats even kept Kirven's helmet on the sidelines throughout the duration of the game.
Mexia was also quick to get into the endzone and that fast start helped them dominate in the victory.
"It means a lot knowing that we won the game just for him," Cooper said. "It means a lot to everybody."
"It felt like a Disney movie," said head coach Aaron Nowell. "What those kids have been through and what they came out and did this week and we talk all the time, we'll ride the highs and bounce off the lows. These kids are tough. They're special."
A memorable game and a memorable player, Mexia was able to celebrate the life of No. 8 with the Kirven family in attendance. The team put Kirven's jersey on his little brother and had the family take photos with the team during their celebrations.
"An unbelievable young man that we lost and for her [Micah's mom] to be here tonight, it says a lot about her," said Nowell.
Mexia moves to 3-3 on the season and will host the West Trojans on Friday, Oct. 18.
