COLUMBUS, Ohio — East High School and Linden-McKinley STEM Academy faced off in their highly anticipated rivalry game during the final week before playoffs, as community leaders worked to ensure the Columbus matchup remained a safe celebration of tradition rather than a source of violence.

Both teams entered the matchup with identical 8-1 records, adding competitive stakes to the longstanding rivalry.

"It's like a city league, Michigan-Ohio State type rivalry, you know," said Mike Bell, head football coach for East High.

The rivalry carries deep personal meaning for players.

"My dad went to Linden and my mom graduated from East. I'm actually sixth generation East, so I knew a lot about it. I just wanted to come and be a part of it and help East win," said Daequan Lindsey, a senior c

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