The Minden Crimson Tide are familiar with the opponent they’ll square off against on Friday night, despite the fact the two schools have never played.
If that sounds confusing, just wait, all will be revealed.
In 2011, Springhill, Sarepta, Cotton Valley and Shongaloo High School consolidated, forming what is now North Webster High School in Springhill.
The move was initially met with criticism, as neighboring communities weren’t crazy about meshing schools.
Fast forward four years and everybody is loving the Knight life, as the four towns have become one family.
With a trip to the quarterfinals and semifinals under their belt, this year’s senior class will be the first to start and end their high school careers at North Webster, spearheaded by 250-pound running back Devin White, punishing offensive lineman Dallas Lay and kicker/punter Conroe McMullan, all four-year starters for the Knights.
On the flip side, Minden High is in the middle of rebirth themselves.
The Crimson Tide fell on hard times after the departure of former head coach David Feaster following the 2006 season, struggling to find consistency, and win games.
After a 4-6 season in his first year, head coach Spencer Heard seems to have the Tide back on track, going 7-4 a season ago and having the majority of that team back for another go.
Minden football seems rejuvenated, North Webster is in the middle of a historic run and on Friday night the hype will reach a fever pitch when the two schools take the field.
Historically, Springhill owns the all-time advantage at 32-23-1, with the schools’ first meeting taking place in 1924, and the last being played in 2008, a 39-0 win for the Crimson Tide.
Springhill won the previous matchup in 2007, 38-13, so if history is any indicator, it’s a toss up.
Minden enters this week’s game at 1-1 following a loss to Haughton, While North Webster puts a 2-0 record on the line.
The battle lines have been drawn, and the Webster Parish Super Bowl is about to begin.