09/04/2026
THE AX STAYS HOME! 🪓💛🐝
There are Friday night football games… and then there’s Battle of the Ax.
This was my second year getting to photograph BOTA, and somehow it still doesn't feel like just another football game.
From the tailgates and packed stands to the band, cheerleaders, first responders, coaches, families, and players on the field - this is one of those nights where you can feel how much this tradition means to Denison.
And this year, I got to capture a pretty special moment through my camera: Denison's first touchdown of the game (first picture) 🏈📸
That's one of the things I love most about photography. A play happens in seconds. The crowd cheers. Everyone moves on to the next one. But for that fraction of a second when I press the shutter, I get to preserve it.
Of course, some of my favorite photographs from the night weren't just the big plays. They're the people on the sidelines, the celebrations, the packed student section, the traditions and all those little moments happening around the game.
128th Battle of the Ax.
Denison 50. Sherman 19.
THE AX STAYS HOME. 🪓
I'm incredibly grateful that I had the opportunity to document this tradition for a second year.
Here are a few of my favorites from BOTA 2026. 💛🐝
GO JACKETS!
If you would like to download the BOTA 2026 pictures please use this gallery link: https://SJCphotographytx.pixieset.com/2026battleoftheax/
Download PIN: 3394
