As someone who stood on and roamed both side(line)s of this rivalry for MANY years, there are factors that most folk on the outside of it all don’t necessarily realize. The respect each program has for and from the other is somewhat unprecedented - I’ve never seen nor experienced anything else quite like it. The coaching staffs over the years have always known each other well - with many having worked together and/or played with (and some, for) each other. The players on each side know, and typically have known this as well. But then, many of the players know each other too - and have for some years. This is a rivalry - and, a “connection”- one that few people ever know or experience in their lifetime. It is bigger than every participant in it, and much bigger than every spectator around it. It generated some of the most incredible environments I ever had the opportunity to coach in - truly indescribable. For the players, it is a euphoric atmosphere that very few experiences (afterward) could, can, and will EVER compare. It is bigger than everyone, and everyone knows this. This is why discrepant, detrimental behavior during this game has never really been an issue. I’m confident this trend will continue - for this rivalry anyway. I hope and pray both programs are prepared and excited for the opportunity awaiting them tonight. Most kids go an entire high school football career and NEVER experience anything like ...“this game.” Most fans go an entire lifetime and never do as well - except maybe a few places in Texas. I hope and pray the Richmond/Scotland players, coaches, fans, and communities continue to realize just how fortunate and blessed they ALL truly are. They get a heavy dose - once a year - of something most folks never know, or can really even begin to appreciate.
For those of you who may have never witnessed this spectacle, you need to - at least once. Doesn’t matter where it’s played; but you better get there early, IF you plan to go.
Best wishes to both teams ... may your efforts be worthy of the environment that awaits, may you exhaust all that you have in the attempt to do honor by the (2018) moment. May your respect for each other - and the event itself - be as evident tonight as it has been throughout the history (I have known). May each team exit the night healthy and fully prepared to move forward with dignity and honor - respectful of the old SEC, and the present SAC.
Enjoy the day, Love the night, “fight” each other with dignity and respect,” and appreciate each other through all that you SHARE - exclusively because of ... This “Game.”
God bless ...
