this decision has nothing to do with whats is better for either program, This game was never about the wins or loses, it was more about the communities. This was never a game of rivals where there was fights and bad blood like most rivals. These kids know each other, they are friends and most family. I would bet that several of the Newton players live within a few miles of Kirbyville because of the way the districts are drawn. Some years it was just a scrimmage but that never mattered. This decision has everything to do with a outside coach that...well out of respect to the rules of this site I will not finish that statement. I have been told by two different people close to the program that this decision had more to do with him wanting to separate as much as he can from the old regime (Alvarez and Neece era). I have news for you Coach. That old regime had a 85% winning record, at least 2 rounds and 3 most years, and two State Championship appearances! Now we are ending traditions and resorted to looking for 1 and 2a schools to pad our record. There may be a few that do not mind this and even more that just seem onboard because they are not wiling to speak up but make no mistake, this community supports those boys that work so hard every year and wants what Is best for them and our Wildcat program and that is a not just a winning record but a respected competitive program ( and the old regime understood that!!)