THE BATTLE FOR THE CROSS SAW: TIES THAT BIND

Northern Nevada has some truly great rivalries:

• Douglas vs Carson, the oldest rivalry in the state

• Reed and Spanish Springs, both relish the opportunity to add a chapter in their border war

• McQueen vs Reno, the Reno rock keeps getting painted silver and blue

• Damonte and Galena, a neighborhood brawl and the winner gets the largest trophy in high school sports

The Battle for the Cross Saw is an old Truckee Meadows legend, dating back to the late 1800s and the first landowners in south Reno. The Brown Ranch, later sold to Louis Damonte, was established by Peleg Brown, just along the outskirts of Galena, a small mining and lumber community in 1858. The story goes that in order to build the Brown Ranch’s outbuildings, a massive 120-pound cross saw was purchased from the Galena Town Mill. When Galena suffered a large town fire, the town founders asked to buy the cross saw back. Brown, being a sporting man, proposed a challenge to compete for the ownership of the saw for one year. A cross-cutting competition was held, and after tremendous effort from both sides, the Galena lumberjacks won the day. The competition continued for years before fading into memory, but was renewed in 2014, as a football rivalry between two south Reno schools that can pretty much see each other from their respective campuses.

COACH JOE LAWRENCE

Joe Lawrence coaches at Galena but was coaching at Damonte when he had the idea to resurrect the competition for the Cross Saw. Lawrence was inspired by the rivalry between the University of Nevada and the University of Las Vegas. “The inspiration for the game and the trophy came from ‘The Battle for the Freemont Cannon’.” Joe loved that the Freemont Cannon is the largest and most expensive rivalry trophy in college football and wanted something similar for the Damonte/Galena rivalry. It is a rivalry that dates back to when Damonte opened, and Galena students who were zoned for Damonte had the option of staying at Galena or going to the new school. Regarding the rivalry, Lawrence says, “Rivalries in football help add a special quality and special moments to seasons. Rivalries provide extra incentive and motivation for teams over and above the basic competition. It helps teams that may otherwise have had an off season know that if they win their rivalry game they can count, he season at least a partial success.” It is a heated rivalry Lawrence hopes will continue to grow, “As the coach that breathed life into the game, created the trophy, and have coached for both teams it has been satisfying knowing that the game and the trophy have taken on a life of its own and will continue to be played and promoted well into the future and beyond my coaching career.”

ANDREW KENNON

Coach Lawrence isn’t the only one with ties to both programs. Sam Banghart is the Athletic Director at Galena but is a Damonte Ranch graduate. In 2014, he rushed for 139 yards and two touchdowns against the Grizzlies as Damonte Ranch won the inaugural Battle for the Cross Saw game. Another player with ties to both sides is current Grizzly, Andrew Kennon.

Kennon began his high school career at Damonte before transferring to Galena where he is a standout wrestler and football player. Kennon says winning this game gives you south Reno bragging rights for a year. He also recognizes the importance of the actual cross saw, “It’s fun walking the hallway at school and seeing the cross saw in the trophy cabinet, but on the other hand, [it is] not much fun walking into Damonte for a wrestling meet and seeing it in their trophy cabinet.”

Individuals with ties to both schools is a defining factor of this rivalry. In 2023, DJ Gonzalez Brown rushed for 117 yards for the Mustangs, but he began his high school career at Galena. Aaron Cook is the head coach for the Grizzlies; he graduated from Damonte and got his coaching start there under Shawn Dupris. When Cook took the head coaching job at Galena, he was joined by Damonte Ranch offensive line guru Jim Kyte.

STEPHANIE USHER

LONDYN MILLER

The game obviously means a lot to students on both sides. Stephanie Usher is a cheerleader for Damonte Ranch, and says, “The Cross Saw game is always my favorite to cheer for throughout the year, everyone is always so enthusiastic, and it brings up my spirits as a cheerleader.” Galena cheerleader Londyn Miller sees how the game brings both sides together, “The cheer community is like no other and just filled with such love and support. I am blessed to be a part of it and grateful for the opportunities it has opened.” But it is a competition, one decided on the field by players with serious motivations. Damonte running back and linebacker, Ezra Thomas, says, “The Cross Saw game for me has always been more about the rivalry that has grown between the players, than the actual cross saw. Guys that played together in Pop Warner and people you’ve gotten to know over the years get to hit each other and prove their school is better.”

EZRA THOMAS

Damonte currently holds a 10-2 edge in the Cross Saw series. Galena won the Cross Saw in 2024, snapping an eight-game Damonte win streak. Prior to that, Galena won the Cross Saw in 2015, thanks in large part to 171 yards rushing by Jake Berger. The game this year will be taking place at Damonte Ranch High School on Friday, September 11th, with kickoff set for 7:00 PM.

The Mustangs enter the contest 3-0, averaging 49 points per game on offense while surrendering just 7. The Grizz bring a record of 1-2 with them to The Ranch, averaging 25 points per game on offense while surrendering 18 points per game on defense. Damonte is led by senior quarterback Christian Diehl, third in the state in passing with 775 yards, 258 per game with nine touchdown passes. Look for Diehl to push the ball to sophomore Miah Milan, an athletic tight end leading the team in receptions. On defense, Milan and sophomore Clay Ghisletta are play makers for the Mustangs along with senior Ezra Thomas. Galena has a number of playmakers including Lane Billau, a senior wideout and defensive back, who has four touchdowns and averages 10 tackles per game. The Grizz are an adept passing team, averaging 12.1 yards per completion.

The Battle for the Cross Saw may be decided by the defense able to better stymie the opposing team’s passing attack. These games are well attended, and with it being the home opener for Damonte, it is recommended you get there early to secure a good seat and parking spot. If you are unable to attend the game, it is being televised by Nevada Sports Net as a part of their “Friday Night Rivals” programming on channel 21. If you tune in, listen for Battle Born Preps staff member Michael Reeves, who provides excellent sideline coverage for the broadcast.