It’s hard to pinpoint exactly when Porters Chapel’s recent rivalry with Central Hinds began.

Some people point to 2007, when Central Hinds beat PCA and claimed the district championship. PCA won the game and the title the following season, sparking a high-stakes tug-of-war between the schools.

Others point to last season, when Central Hinds punctuated a 29-2 victory with a short touchdown pass on the last play of the game, or the proximity and common ties between the schools.

Whatever its source, the rivalry is real and festering. It’s something that should liven up their meeting tonight in Raymond in a game both sides would simply like to escape without any major catastrophes.

“It’s almost like we get along off the football field, but once it’s game time it’s totally different. It’s like, ‘Go away. Don’t talk to me,” said PCA senior offensive lineman Caze Brewer. “I think it goes back before I got here.”

Other than bragging rights and momentum, the game is relatively meaningless for both teams.

Central Hinds (8-1) has already clinched a spot in the Class AA playoffs. It’ll finish the regular season next week against Amite, then play River Oaks in the first round of the playoffs on Nov. 5.

PCA (5-4), meanwhile, plays District 5-A rival Newton County Academy in next week’s season finale with a playoff berth on the line.

Although both coaches said they want a win this week, they also acknowledged the importance of what lay ahead.

“That’s been a struggle to keep them focused on this game,” PCA coach John Weaver said. “They know what rides on next week. The season rides on that game. We’re preparing like this is any other game. If you get out of your routine, it’s dangerous.”

On the field, the game offers a contrast of styles.

Central Hinds averages more than 250 pounds along its offensive line and prefers a smashmouth, run-heavy approach. Quarterback Jordan Currie has rushed for more than 1,000 yards this season and tailback Hunter Farrior is closing in on that total.

“They’re big, they’re fast, they’re strong. They’re good. They’ve got some monsters on the offensive line,” Weaver said.

PCA opts to spread the field and throw. Quarterback Jonah Masterson is 96-of-161 passing for 1,509 yards and 12 touchdowns on the season. Senior wide receiver Chris Marshall has caught 43 passes for 848 yards and seven TDs.

With two more catches, Marshall will own the school record for receptions in a season. He needs just 10 more to pass Vicksburg’s Bunkie Perkins for the Warren County record.

Having faced some of Class AA’s best passing offenses — including fourth-ranked Brookhaven Academy — Central Hinds coach Todd Montgomery wasn’t fazed by PCA’s passing game.

“We’ve played plenty of them that like to wing it,” Montgomery said with a laugh. “The goal is to pressure the quarterback. If he has time to throw, he’s going to complete a few. If we don’t put pressure on the quarterback, it’s going to be a long night.”