Red River Rivalry: Neighbors detail their loyalties on lawns

By Ken Raymond

Published: October 5, 2006

In crimson and green, turf war takes root

Jeff Young may be the bravest man in Oklahoma.

Oklahoma Roads | Texas Roads
What are your plans for the OU-Texas weekend?

Last year, Young carved a giant Longhorn symbol into the front yard of his southwest Oklahoma City home. This year, he scraped his entire lawn bare except for a grassy patch shaped like a human hand making the University of Texas "hook 'em, 'Horns" symbol.

Crazy.

Across the street, James Allen formulated a response. Tuesday night, he began work on his project, finishing it up Wednesday. Now his lawn bears an enormous "OU."

Perfectly rational.

This year's antics mark the continuation of a new tradition in the quiet residential neighborhood, where Young says he is "surrounded by Oklahoma fans." The rivalry is all in good fun, and the families are friends.

Still, the OU-Texas football game stirs up the neighbors' competitive spirits. Young sculpted his yard freehand using a mower and a weed trimmer. Allen, a mechanical engineer, was more methodical.

"He brought out the tape measure, and he had a two-by-four that he was tracing off to get all his lines straight," Young said, full of mock outrage. "I came home from work last night and yelled over there that he was cheating. I didn't use any straight lines."

If the incident is illustrative of anything, it's that OU-Texas weekend brings out the silliness in almost everyone, from everyday folks like Young and Allen to bank executives and politicians.

Here's proof:

"'Rabid' is probably the right word for it," Paula Barrington admitted Wednesday, describing herself.

At 46, Barrington is a senior vice president at Bank of Oklahoma and a terribly responsible person -- except for one weekend a year.

This morning, Barrington and at least nine of her friends will travel to Dallas for the game.

"We always carry an OU flag with us that we hang in the hotel window," Barrington said. "We always bribe the bartenders in the bar with OU T-shirts and hats, 'cause we want to make sure they're rooting for the right team."

Her group of friends will adhere to all sorts of superstitious rituals -- going to the same Mexican restaurant, clubs and tailgating spot they always frequent -- but they are staying in a different hotel than usual because OU lost last year.

Clearly, it was the hotel's fault.

Even Gov. Brad Henry and Texas Gov. Rick Perry can't resist a little polite trash-talking.

"I have unwavering confidence that coach (Bob) Stoops and our Sooners will make Saturday a triumphant one for the Crimson and Cream," Henry said. "Sooner Nation is going to be out in full force at the Cotton Bowl to show its support for OU, and I have no doubt the fans will be celebrating victory before the day ends."

Jeff Young and his wife, Julie Young, flash the “hook ’em, ’Horns” sign Wednesday as they stand in front of a similar design Jeff Young carved into their southwest Oklahoma City lawn. Photo by Jaconna Aguirre

Perry's response?

"I have no doubt that coach (Mack) Brown and the Longhorns will make it two in a row over the Sooners this Saturday in Dallas," Perry said, then twisted the knife. "Fortunately, OU's trip across the Red River won't be for nothing. They can get a look at the Longhorns' national championship trophy while they are in Texas."

Wars have started over less.

Contributing: Michael McNutt, Capitol Bureau