One of the top high school football rivalries in the state of Colorado, East and South’s football teams meet annually in “The Cannon Game,” a rivalry that began in 1959 and has morphed into an annual showdown with the victor taking home “The Cannon,” a real, working Civil War-era cannon that was donated by the Steel City Kiwanis in 1976, along with the Key Clubs from both schools. It cost about $800 when it was first dedicated to the game. 

Much like its older brother, the Centennial-Central “Bell Game,” the Cannon Game has become just as big a spectacle, drawing upwards of 15,000 fans annually to Dutch Clark Stadium. Each school’s student body, teachers, alumni, and the entire community of Pueblo mobilizes for The Cannon each year, echoing the rallying cry of “The Cannon Booms Black” at South and “The Cannon Booms Gold” at East.

Each time the Cannon changes hands, each school puts their own unique spin on decorating the cannon when its in their possession. While the paint job may change, the signature, ear-pounding BOOM can be heard at the winning school’s sporting events and school activities that year. 

• All-time series: South leads 41-19-1

Pueblo South vs. Pueblo East at Dutch Clark Friday, 7 p.m.