Teams we love to hate

It's rivalry week here in Woodland, and this week's game couldn't be any more important. Here in Alabama, we love a good sports rivalry. At birth, we declare allegiance to either Auburn or Alabama and anticipate the annual playing of the Iron Bowl, so named because it was traditionally held in Birmingham, known for its iron industry. I grew up in Clay County, Alabama where the Clay Bowl, the game between the Clay County Panthers and the Lineville Aggies, has become one of the best-known high school games in the state. (Go Aggies, by the way)

In Randolph County, we play what has been dubbed the Grocery Bowl (I guess it's because people from the opposing schools shop at the same local grocery store?) between the Woodland Bobcats and the Randolph County Tigers. It's always a great game, and this year's promises to be one of the best in recent history.

When RCHS's new head coach held his first team meeting with the Tigers last year, he basically circled the date of the Woodland game on the calendar as a must-win. The Bobcats, however, had something to say about that and spoke loudly, defeating the Tigers by a score of 29-14. Woodland has won 4 of the last 5 meetings.

This year, the Tigers will come to Woodland with more than just winning the game on their minds. RCHS is currently in position to claim the region championship, depending on the outcome of the Lineville/Reeltown game played the same night. Woodland needs a win to ensure a playoff berth. Like I said, it's going to be a good one.

This game has all the makings of a great rivalry game. The two schools are almost the same size and only 8 miles apart. Each team is competitive and has a chance to win the game. Woodland's head coach was a student at RCHS in high school. Another assistant on staff was coaching the Tigers just 3 seasons ago. And, there's a lot on the line for both teams.

As a coach, Coach Bailey is 4-3 against RCHS, but in high school, his Bobcats lost every year until his senior season. That year, WHS defeated RCHS 8-7, and the whole team, coaches included, shaved their heads. I hope this Friday night ends with a Bobcat victory and every one's hair still attached to his head!