[2] That year, Manual defeated New Britain, Connecticut in a national championship game in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.

The game was sponsored by the Louisiana Sports Association, which was affiliated with the Sugar Bowl.

The Louisville Post wrote in 1897 that "[Male's school colors] have always waved triumphant over the Red of the 'blacksmiths' as their more cultured opponents are wont to dub them".

The rivalry paused when the schools (and football teams) were consolidated from 1915 to 1918 but was renewed in 1919 after Manual reformed and built its own stadium.

Attendance averaged 14,000 from the 1920s through 1957, when crowds were so large that the schools began holding the game at Cardinal Stadium, with a capacity of over 20,000.