Bruce vs 'City.......we've waited long enough

Sports movies are a norm in my life. I have a difficult time changing the channel on the movies that fill my schedule grid. From Caddyshack to Hoosiers, the combination of sports and Hollywood always make for an entertaining evening. Most of the time, that is.
I’m reminded of a character named Sy Orlansky, played by Clifton James in the movie “The Bad News Bears in Breaking Training.” Orlansky was the president of a beverage company in the 1977 sequel. During the final game, officials stopped the game versus the Houston Toros due to time constraints. Orlansky rose to his feet and began to chant, “Let Them Play!” The entire crowd inside the Houston Astrodome followed suit, as the crowd let their voices be heard. Officials resumed the game and the Bears were victorious. We as Calhoun County fans should take note. It’s high time the Bruce Trojans and the Calhoun City Wildcats battle for the Skuna River trophy again.
I must preface this by saying, this is a matter of a governing body named the Mississippi High School Activities Association. While the selfish nature of the beloved fans of our county are not the heart of the matter, the MHSAA determines how each school is classified ie: 1A, 2A, 3A, 4A and 5A. The chance of creating a sixth classification in on the horizon and possibly could pit the county rivals in the same classification once again, or at least give them the chance to play.
For a few years, the Trojans and Wildcats battled on the gridiron for the crown of Division 2 Champions in Class 2A. Before that, it was a given both schools would meet when Bruce was a member of Class 3A and Calhoun City was in Class 2A. Times have changed since City moved to Class 1A. MHSAA made the decision to only have two Divisions a few years back in the North and now they are referred to as Regions. Herein lies the problem. With multiple teams in only two Regions, it makes it virtually impossible for the two schools to meet.
I long for the days the crowd had to be parted as the visiting team arrived at Trojan Field and D.L Harrison Field. Each week leading up to the game, fans from each school, many with vested interest as each of their children were playing, would kindly pass along to each coworker of the beating their school was about to endure. Most would laugh it off, while quietly telling members of their own fan base they meant every word of it.
Ask any school official at each school their thoughts on rekindling the rival. You’re sure to receive the same answer. An overwhelming vote of approval is all but assured to be given. From ticket revenue to concession stands overflowing with fans of the like, it’s a win-win situation.
From Touchdown Wildcats to This is Trojan Football and Roger Armstrong to Roger Westmoreland, the historic rivalry is one for the ages. While the game is possibly years away, we hold so many fond, and no so fond, memories of the Friday nights of the past. Oh, how I wish they would, “Let Them Play!”