Denison head coach Brian Lilly is preparing to guide his hometown Yellow Jackets in Friday night’s matchup against Sherman, marking the first time he has called plays from the sidelines for the program. The contest serves as the 128th iteration of the Battle of the Ax rivalry game and will take place at Munson Stadium.
Lilly described the appointment as a dream realized, noting his deep personal history with the event. He recalled starting as a ball boy in seventh grade when Denison won the trophy, an experience where his uncle presented him with the axe on the field.
After playing four years for Denison and pursuing a career at Texas State, Lilly returned to coaching with the goal of giving back to the community that supported his development.
The upcoming game presents a unique debut scenario for Lilly, who noted the atmosphere will feature packed stands, marching bands, and cheering fans. Despite the emotional significance of the homecoming, he emphasized that the focus remains on competitive preparation. He acknowledged that Sherman coach Ramos has his staff and players ready, stating that both teams will compete fully before shaking hands after the final whistle.
