By Staff
A brief dustup over the scheduling of the Battle of Murder Creek has been settled, and we're glad that coaches and administrators have realized how important the game is for the players and for their fellow athletes at T.R. Miller and W.S. Neal high schools.
Neal Coach Blaine Hathcock said it well when he pointed out that the game is bigger than the coaches or school principals - “it's about the players,” he said.
Neal wanted to play earlier in the season, and Miller wanted to play in week 10.
Neal graciously compromised on the schedule, and the game will be played in week 10 next year, a traditional end-of-the-season spot for the rivalry.
Miller and Neal stood to lose a lot of money in gate revenue from the game if they had not played.
And that money helps fund much of the athletics at both schools - not just football, but sports that receive less attention such as softball, baseball and tennis.
Playing the game ensures that revenue stream stays intact, and it also preserves a tradition that is six decades old in our community.
When the game is played isn't the most important aspect of the rivalry, but many fans on both sides of the creek wanted to keep the end-of-the-season tradition alive.
And whenever you can get Neal and Miller fans to agree on something, you'd better take advantage of it.
We've got almost another year to gear up for the next big battle for bragging rights, so we wish the teams well as they take a deserved break before spring and summer practice and next year's football season.
In the meantime, don't forget to check out Neal and Miller on the basketball court this winter.