SHERMAN, Texas (KTEN) — Friday's annual Battle of the Ax football game between Sherman and Denison will start later than originally planned due to extreme heat in the forecast.

Kickoff of the 125th matchup between the Grayson County rivals has been moved back one hour to 8 p.m. in an effort to play the game at Bearcat Stadium under somewhat less sweltering conditions.

Sunset on Friday is at 8:01 p.m.; the forecast high temperature is 105 degrees.

The Sherman Independent School district has also canceled the Maroon Mania tailgate event before the game at Sherman Municipal Grounds citing the forecast.

Friday's Battle of the Ax is the final contest in the series scheduled to be played at historic Bearcat Stadium in Sherman. A new stadium at the site of Sherman High School is expected to be ready when the Bearcats play host in 2025.

The Sherman ISD also announced that a community pep rally ahead of the big game has been moved to Wednesday at 8 p.m. at the high school football field.