It was a night to remember for Denison football fans as the Yellow Jackets brought home a win in the 128th Battle of the Ax over crosstown rival Sherman. The storied rivalry, one of the longest-running in Texas high school football, drew plenty of excitement and community pride on both sides of the contest.
The buzz surrounding this year’s game started building well before kickoff. In a remarkable show of support, NBA legend Shaquille O’Neal made headlines when he endorsed the Denison Yellow Jackets ahead of the matchup, giving the team — and the whole community — an extra boost of energy and national attention heading into game night.
Adding to the excitement, Yellow Jacket TV brought Denison’s video board to life for the occasion, enhancing the in-stadium experience for fans who packed the stands to cheer on their team. The video board feature gave the game a big-time atmosphere that matched the magnitude of such a historic rivalry.
The Yellow Jacket coaching staff also drew attention in the days leading up to the game, with reports highlighting how the coaches are connected by deep Denison roots — a testament to the tight-knit community bonds that make this program special. That sense of hometown pride clearly carried onto the field, as the Yellow Jackets delivered a performance worthy of the moment.
The Battle of the Ax is more than just a football game — it is an annual tradition that unites Denison residents, alumni, and supporters in a shared celebration of school spirit and community identity. Winning the 128th edition adds another proud chapter to that long history, and Yellow Jacket fans will no doubt be talking about this one for years to come. Congratulations to the Denison Yellow Jackets and everyone who made game night so memorable!