[BballFan63]

Nice post. Believe me when you use the word RESPECT, it is of utmost importance in this game. I truly believe that each team respects the other. Great rivalries do not have to be bitter. And BTW, I am not some mansy-pansy, we all have to get along, type. I just believe that good hard competition can be done in a way that leaves both the winner and loser looking good. I mean, these are two great teams, and when the captains go out for the coin toss Friday, it should send chills up and down everyone involved. We live in a state where, for a long time, high school football took a back seat to basketball. Now, I do not believe it does. Growing up in Belfry, it was all there was to do on a Friday night; go to the game. I am sure it has developed into that at Central. We should all cheer hard, but do it with class. This is directed at both schools involved. There are great opportunities for both teams this year. Homefield is big, and on a given night, anyone can beat or be beaten. The only connection I have to the JC program, is that Jim Matney was the first high school football player that I ever met. I was only 5 or 6 years old, but I remember it like it was yesterday. I have always respected him. I believe he is the greatest competitor I have ever seen on the football field, either as a player or as a coach. So enjoy Friday. Build it up. Live in the moment. Watch Friday Night Lights ten times before the game. Two of the best programs in this part of the state will battle. Remember there are very few teams who actually get to participate in games like this. There are very few teams who can actually call themselves contenders for the hardware every year. Belfry has been, and is, there, and JC is right on the brink of contending every year. Good Luck to both the teams and fans, and have a great game. But most of all, enjoy the ride.

This is by far the best post of this thread.