[10/11/01] Friday night’s matchup between Porters Chapel Academy and Tallulah Academy is a crucial game for both teams, which are each 0-2 in conference play. The intense rivalry that has been building between the schools over the last three years only adds a little more flavor.

Overenthusiastic celebrations, gags and charges of running up the score have spilled from football to baseball to girls’ basketball since 1999.

Last football season, Tallulah threw another log on the fire when it appeared the Trojans were trying to put the ball in the end zone one last time in the closing seconds of a 34-6 victory.

Last school year, PCA shot a layup on a practice goal during the closing seconds of the girls’ basketball team’s win 80-42 win over the Lady Trojans.

“I know what they did about that and the trick plays they pulled,” PCA offensive lineman Nathan Fowler said. “If we get up on them, we aren’t letting up. If it’s 100-0, I don’t care.”

PCA coach Bubba Mims noted that it was a different head coach who called those plays in the football game Tallulah’s I.T. Crothers retired after last season but the PCA players remembered the first-ever football meeting between the schools well.

Still, the Eagles have had a little more hop in their step this week, said wide receiver Chris Simms, who leads PCA (3-3, 0-2 Conference 7-A) with 13 catches for 202 yards.

“Practice has been more enthusiastic. We’re going to really be up for this game,” Simms said. “That would be a real momentum booster going into Tensas. But we’re not looking ahead yet.”

Both Mims and Tallulah (2-4, 0-2) coach Jacky Thames said they understood the rivalry between the players, but stressed the importance of the game in the standings was their main motivation this week.

“We haven’t played each other long enough to be a true rivalry, but the kids see each other all the time, talk to each other all the time,” Thames said. “We’re thinking more along the lines of the district and the playoffs more than a rivalry.”

Mims also downplayed the rivalry.

“You want me to say that we want to come out and win because it’s a big rival. I want to win, but I want to win all the games,” Mims said. “I want to stress and emphasize that they’re always a football powerhouse. Even in rebuilding years. It’ll take a tremendous effort by our group to win.”

Part of that effort will be containing Tallulah’s speed, but the Trojans’ last opponent may have helped PCA with that. Tallulah running back Cade Marsh, who rushed for 104 yards and a touchdown and intercepted two passes in last week’s 6-0 win over Chamberlain-Hunt, bruised his calf in that same game. Thames said Marsh was “probable” for this week, and that it would be a game-time decision on whether or not he plays.

Both teams need the win this week to have any hope of making the playoffs. Although each team is winless in the conference, the winner would still have a slim chance of sneaking in as the No. 2 seed or as a wild-card. The loser will play for pride the rest of the season.

“It’s a big game for both schools,” Thames said. “We’re kind of in the same boat. The playoffs are still in the picture, but it’s a longshot.”