ETSU to host first ‘Rail Rivalry’ game at home since 2018

On Oct. 1, ETSU will face off against the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga Mocs at William B. Greene Stadium. This matchup has been termed the “Rail Rivalry,” alluding to the rich railroad histories of both Chattanooga and Johnson City.

To commemorate this historic rivalry, a trophy called The Rail was created and introduced in 2018 as an incentive to win between these two teams. The Rail is made from a railroad tie that once connected the two cities.

ETSU Football Head Coach looks forward to his first Rail Rivalry matchup this Saturday.

“Anytime the rivalry has a name – like the Rail Rivalry – it’s pretty big,” said Quarles. “Obviously, we’re both on the same side of the state in East Tennessee, we both recruit a lot of the same players and we both compete hard in every sport, especially football. They’re picked to win the league this year and ETSU won the league last year – it’s a big game.”

Since its inception, ETSU has only won The Rail in its inaugural game. The Mocs have possessed The Rail since 2019. ETSU has also not hosted the matchup at home since its first year being called the Rail Rivalry. The teams did not meet during Fall 2020 when the season was postponed due to COVID-19 to Spring 2021.

“We haven’t had a chance, since I’ve been here, to get that rail,” said Joe Schreiber (Chanhassen, Minn.). “I know our guys are really hungry for the opportunity to bring that thing home.”

The Bucs and Mocs have met on the football field 44 times, with Chattanooga holding a 24-19-1 advantage. The Bucs are coming off a recent win against Robert Morris, with a final score of 45-3, While Chattanooga recently suffered in a shutout against the University of Illinois, their records stands strong with only one loss.

Kickoff will be at 3 p.m., with the gates opening two hours prior to the game. The start time has been altered due to anticipated weather. Students can pick up tickets at the Carrier Center front desk inside the D.P. Culp Student Center on the second floor. Students get one free ticket with a valid student I.D. and can purchase up to four additional tickets for $10 each using ID Bucs.

For more information, visit https://www.etsubucs.com/.