It’s a Rankin County grudge match, with two perennial powers who love to smack each other around. This often bitter rivalry dates back to Thanksgiving Day in 1949, a game that ended in a tie. The two schools put aside their animosity, however, for a poignant matchup in 2001, three days after the 9/11 attacks. After much deliberation, the schools decided the game should continue as a way of healing. Both school bands played “The Star-Spangled Banner” and “God Bless America” – and they played them together.
September 24 Jackson Academy at Jackson Prep
When crosstown rivals JA and Prep run up against each other, all bets are off. These Capital City giants are both annual contenders for the MPSA AAA state title. Although the Prep Patriots have the overall edge (25-11), anything can happen. The Raiders proved that last season, blocking a last-minute field goal attempt to escape with a 10-7 victory during the regular season. JA followed that with a 49-20 victory over Prep in the state championship game.
October 15 South Panola at Tupelo
The South Panola Tigers are legendary for their mind-boggling 89-game winning streak, the third longest ever (nationwide). That won’t matter, though, when the Tigers enter the Golden Wave’s home turf in this battle of north Mississippi powerhouses. Tupelo nearly ended South Panola’s streak back in 2008; they failed to convert a two-point conversion with less than a minute left, giving them a 14-13 loss.
October 22 Memphis University School at Christian Brothers
This year marks the 50th game in a Memphis rivalry that dates back to 1894. Christian Brothers is looking to avenge last year’s 38-14 loss to the Owls. MUS, meanwhile, is coming off an undefeated 2009 campaign that culminated in a state championship (they’re a strong favorite to repeat).
October 28 Murphy at McGill-Toolen
Mobile will rock when these two Catholic school rivals face off in a late-season battle. Murphy beat McGill-Toolen last year, 24-17, for their first win in the series since 2005. The two schools have played 77 times, with Murphy carrying a 46-30-1 edge. The school that wins this annual matchup secures the right to paint the famous cannon in downtown Mobile in their school’s colors.
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