HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL RIVALRY

A new book is out titled, Y’all vs. Us: Thrilling Tales of Mississippi’s Hottest High School Football Rivalries, published by the Mississippi Sports Council of Jackson, MS

This book gives the history of fifteen Mississippi football rivalries. As we know Warren Central vs. Vicksburg is one of the greatest football rivalries in Mississippi. My main interest in this book was to read the chapter on our local teams, titled River Rats and Rednecks. The chapter gives a brief history of Vicksburg and the Civil War, integration of the high schools, history and traditions of the teams and coaches, as well as a listing of the games in series.
It was an enjoyable read.

In high school I was caught in the consolidation and redistricting of the schools. After attending Warren Central High School for two years and being a Viking, I was forced to go to Vicksburg High School and become a Gator. I’ll never forget the game I witnessed in 1990 being a senior at Vicksburg High School. The final score was Vicksburg 10, Warren Central 9. Before the game the Vikings taunted the Gators with saying, “Vicksburg can talk the talk, but they can’t walk the walk.” With the Gators win I’d say the Vikings ate those words. The Gators reply was “We can talk the talk and walk the walk!”

Having two teenagers that attend Warren Central High School, they remind me that the rivalry is still alive and well. Their anticipation of the game this past Friday night was at an all time high. The final score was Vicksburg 7, Warren Central 0. I anticipate there being a second volume to this book on Mississippi football rivalries.