Both the Proctor and Hermantown football teams are gearing up to honor a long-lived tradition and rivalry in Friday’s 74th annual Hammer Game.

“The Hammer game has always been something that’s about tradition for both communities. And you know, it’s something the kids get excited when you play for a trophy like that. They like to play for the hammer. And it’s been a rivalry since football began in both communities,” said Hermantown head coach Mike Zagelmeyer.

The rivalry battle began in 1941, and in the 1990’s the team’s created the ‘Hammer Game’ title.

“It’s really awesome because you know growing up as a little kid I watched, ‘Oh it’s the Hammer Game,’ you know, and they try to get as many people as he can come out to watch the Hammer game. It was the big hammer, the big thrill,” said Elwood Christen, senior wide receiver and safety for Proctor.

“It’s super cool because everybody remembers it. I mean in 20, 30 years they can always remember that I played, he played, everybody played and it was cool,” said Rowan Kass, senior quarterback and corner for Proctor.

Hermantown has claimed the trophy in the last three matchups (47-8 in 2023, 55-6 in 2022, and 28-0 in 2020).

“We’re ready to go. We’re chomping at the bits to get to that first game. Hammer game, it’s a big one and I think it’s for us it’s kind of just one step at a time,” Hermantown senior quarterback Alex Schott said.

This Friday night Proctor will seek to capture the wooden hammer-shaped trophy for the first time since 2019.

“It’s fun to be a part of history. It’s fun to be a part of something like this. You know, Hermantown’s got a great program and they’re well coached. It’s been very entertaining, a lot of learning lessons the last two years. We’re looking forward to flipping the script this time,” said Proctor’s head coach Matt Krivinchuk.

This match will also be both teams’ season opener. Hermantown is set to host the Hammer Game on Friday, August 30th at 7PM.