Rider’s rivalry football game against Wichita Falls High School is now coming a month early.

In fear of the future need to reschedule games, the District 3-5A Executive Committee voted to move the Rider-Old High game to Friday, Oct. 23. The game was previously scheduled for the Friday of Thanksgiving week, but the district’s teams had byes next week so there was an opening to move games up. 

This isn’t the first Rider football game to be impacted this season. Last Thursday, Rider’s football game against Midlothian was cancelled when one of the the opposing team’s players tested positive for coronavirus. But the Raiders still were able to schedule Hirschi on short notice, beating the Huskies 48-10 Friday at Memorial Stadium. 

Mum Day, the annual tradition of staying silent in class until the ringing of the bell, will take place on game day as usual. Though several events will be cancelled, postponed or look different this year, Alisha Crouch, senior class sponsor, is working with coaches, teachers and senior officers to include as many Rider vs. Old High festivities as possible, such as the pep rally and themed dress up days.

“We’re going to try and keep it as normal as we can without risking exposure,” she said. “Our goal is – it’s not going to be how it has been in the past- but to make it as good as we possibly can for everybody.”