Sports

Knocking Out Childhood Cancer part of 90th Cowbell Game

September 1, 2021

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Bluejay football 1919 McCluen — These leather-capped Bluejays no doubt considered Jefferson their main rival, as the teams first met on the gridiron on Oct. 15, 1898. However, it was not until nine years after this 1919 picture was taken -- in 1928 -- that the Jefferson and Perry Lions clubs decided to commemorate the rivalry by introducing the Cowbell Trophy, believed to be the oldest traveling trophy in Iowa and one of the oldest in the country. Friday's meeting will the 90th in which possession of the Cowbell -- and the right to ring it on the field -- will be at stake.

JEFFERSON — Perry travels to Linduska Field Friday for the 90th playing of the Cowbell Game, with Greene County asking their arch-rivals to join them in the battle against childhood cancer.

Fans are asked to dress in gold for the game, symbolizing the struggle against the disease. Those attending are also asked to bring either Silly Putty, Play-Doh, or bubbles to the game, which will be collected at the gates and then donated to Blank Children’s Hospital.

The two communities first faced each other on a gridiron in 1898, but it was not until 1928 that the Lions Clubs in Jefferson and Perry decided to create a traveling trophy which would be held by the winning football team.

Now known as Greene County, the Rams hold a 58-29-2 edge in the series. Perry will looking to win the prize for the first time since a 17-14 overtime victory in 2017.