MEMPHIS, Tenn — Memphis University School and Christian Brothers High School have one of the oldest rivalries in the South and the oldest rivalry in Shelby County. The two teams first played on the gridiron nearly 130 years ago.
In 1894, the Owls and Purple Wave lined up against each other for the first time. The first game was played in Citizen's Park.
Bobby Alston, head coach of the Owls, has seen quite a few since he joined MUS in 1977.
"I wasn’t here for the first game; it may seem that way sometimes," Alston joked. "I think we do have a lot of respect for each other because in some ways our missions are very similar."
The two private schools with similar missions are separated by less than four miles, but they are joined by respect.
Thomas McDaniel has been a part of the rivalry the last 9 years as Head Coach of Christian Brothers. The rivalry always sparks a nod of appreciation for the two historic programs.
"It’s everything that a high school rivalry is supposed to be. It’s one of the oldest rivalries in the country. There’s a lot of mutual respect between the two programs. I know what we’re going to get when we play them," McDaniel said.
Respect is at least how the adults feel. The kids who'll strap on the pads Friday night have stronger emotions.
"All of the students really put an emphasis on it," said John Goodwin, a senior running back at CBHS. "'Y’all better win this week.' It’s a big deal."
Hudson Shoaf, senior linebacker at MUS, didn't mince words when asked what comes to mind when he thinks of a rivalry.
"Hate - not really hate - dislike for the other team. I think the environment is just crazy," Shoaf said.
Being so close geographically naturally drums up relationships between boys of both schools. For Goodwin, there aren't a lot of positive feelings when he thinks of MUS.
"My girlfriend goes to Hutchison (School). So she’s friends with all those guys, so it’s a hate relationship more than anything," Goodwin said.
On Friday night, alumni will flood the stands and memories will be made in another chapter of the 100-plus-year rivalry. Bragging rights are forever.
The 2023 edition of the rivalry has big playoff implications. Neither team has taken a loss in district play, and the winner has a good chance to be district champs at season's end. MUS will host.
"These guys that they’re playing against are guys that they’re going to know for the rest of their lives and live next to and talk to, and somebody wants their bragging rights for that, so it gets pretty spicy," Alston said.
The imprint these schools leave on the Memphis community on and off the field is unmatched.