Friday night might see the start of something big in Jackson County — a new rivalry.
The East Jackson Eagles will rumble into the lair of the Jefferson Dragons’ Friday and the outcome of the game will determine the region crown.
It doesn’t get much bigger than that.
The anticipation of this game has been building slowly this fall as the two teams have gone undefeated in season play. Warily, they have been eyeing each other from across the river week after week. Now, the big moment has arrived.
“I think our school and our community is very excited and enthusiastic about the game,” said EJCHS coach Frank Caputo. “I know the kids on both teams have probably been waiting for a long time to have this chance.”
Jefferson coach T. McFerrin echoed that sentiment.
“It’s the chance for an undefeated season and the region championship and I guess, bragging rights in Jackson County,” he said.
The latter may be as important as the former. In a county that revels in rivalries of all kinds — political and athletic — the JHS vs. EJCHS contest could become as big as the historic JHS vs. CHS contest of years gone by when teams played not just for state standings, but also for love, pride and yes, county bragging rights.
Kickoff will be at 7:30 p.m. at Jefferson Memorial Stadium. Tickets will be available on Thursday and Friday from 8 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. for $7, at Jefferson City Schools, with no discount available. Tickets at East Jackson will be on sale Wednesday and Thursday from 6 p.m. – 7 p.m.
(For the complete story, see page 1B)
