Norfolk Catholic-Pierce football rivalry to be renewed
Norfolk Catholic and Pierce will once again meet on the gridiron in 2026.
by Eric McKay
NORFOLK, Neb. - A long-stagnant high school football rivalry in northeast Nebraska will return in 2026.
Norfolk Catholic and Pierce will meet again on the gridiron, according to football schedules released Wednesday by the Nebraska School Activities Association.
The rivalry between the Knights and the Blue Jays is one of the fiercest in the state. The two schools, separated by just 15 miles, have combined for 18 state championships.
Their former annual matchup was named the best football rivalry in Nebraska by USA Today in 2012.
Scheduling changes following Norfolk Catholic’s move to Class C2 led to the series being dropped. The teams last played in 2019, when Pierce earned a 35–14 win.
The rivalry will be renewed during Week 6 of the 2026 season at Veterans Memorial Field in Norfolk.