The annual football game between Voorhees High School and Delaware Valley Regional High School is more than just another game on the schedule. This rivalry helps define the season for both school’s teams and their athletic communities.

Hunterdon county football fans often hear about the “Milk Can” game played by Voorhees and North Hunterdon High School. However, the Voorhees-Del Val game has  become a local matchup fueled by proximity, history and a shared competitive spirit. 

“In 1984, when I was at Del Val, we played Voorhees and they beat us 47-15,” Lance Jacobs, Del Val’s athletic director, said. “It wasn’t much of a rivalry back then, but as the years have gone on, the tables have turned.”

The two schools are only a half hour drive from each other, with Voorhees being located in Glen Gardener and Delaware Valley in Frenchtown. This close proximity means that players from both teams grew up playing against each other in youth leagues. Residents from both communities know each other, giving an added personal layer of pride to winning this game.

“I played in multiple different leagues as a kid,” senior football player Jacob Brocklehurst said. “I grew up playing against the same kids we play now. It’s nice seeing familiar faces out on the field.”

While there is a desire to win, there is also a mutual respect between the two schools. The game gives a chance for old friends and neighbors to celebrate a tradition that has become a large part of the fall season in Hunterdon County. 

“I think with the conference that we are in and the locations being so close, you could call it a rivalry,” Del Val football head coach Ben Ibach said. “This year Voorhees has a great team, they are putting up huge offensive numbers and bringing back a bunch of older and experienced players. We came away with a huge victory over them last year, so they will be ready to play.”

Last year, Del Val defeated Voorhees 57-6. Del Val plays Voorhees at 7 p.m. on Tapp Webb Memorial Field on Friday.