|
Published: Aug 27, 2008 - 02:31:48 pm CDT
Rams look to derail Cats’ reign over series By Adam GoreThe Monitor-Herald VARDAMAN - You will be hard pressed to find a bigger game across the state than the match-up between Vardaman and Calhoun City. Prentiss County fans would point at the Backyard Brawl between Baldwyn and Booneville while Lafayette County fans would lay claim to their home opener against Madison Central as the state’s biggest game, but none of those games have the same implications that will be on the line tonight at Carter Field. Not only will the winner have bragging rights for a year, but they will also have the upper hand in the all-important seeding when it comes to the playoffs - something that will prove pivotal come November. Vardaman is considered by some as the early favorite with their bevy of returning starters verses the inexperienced youth of Calhoun City, but one thing has been made clear over the past two season - never count out the underdog. In 2006, the underdog Rams pulled off the season opening upset when they held off a late game rally to take a 34-28 victory over the eventual 2A North State Champs, but Calhoun City returned the favor with an upset of their own in the form of a 24-15 win in 2007 despite Vardaman being considered by some as the favorite. Coach Justin Hollis will get a taste of a county rivalry for the first time as a head coach, but coming from the Amory Panther program with intense rivalries against Tupelo, Shannon, Aberdeen, and Nettleton, he has had his fair share of rivalry experience. Coach Mike Ray has an all-time record of 6-4 against the Rams including winning five of the last six contest. Warm up Both teams had the opportunity to hit the field last week as Vardaman hosted Aberdeen and Calhoun City hosted Eupora in controlled scrimmages. Tonight’s match will see both teams go all-out for the win. The game is scheduled for a 7:30 p.m. kickoff tonight, but being one of five Thursday night games in North Mississippi - you may want to get to the field early as a large group of football hungry fans across the state are expect to pack Carter Field. The game can be seen on W07BN TV 7 and MetroCast Channel 98 on Friday night at 9:00 p.m. and Saturday at 9:00 a.m. as it will be featured as the W07BN Game of the Week.
|
