Community leaders, senior football players, cheerleaders and alumni from Pascagoula High School and Moss Point High School will gather Aug. 28 for the annual Battle of the Cats Breakfast as the longtime rivals prepare for the 86th meeting of their historic football series.
Held for about a decade, the breakfast serves as a preseason tradition, bringing together representatives from both schools to celebrate the rivalry before kickoff. Former players and coaches share memories of past games and encourage the next generation of athletes.
“I feel like it’s special, and it’s a time where, yes, it’s a rivalry, but there is also camaraderie,” said Jami Sheets, director of communications and public relations for the Pascagoula-Gautier School District.
Sheets said the event reflects the close relationship between the neighboring communities, where many families have ties to both schools.
“We’re literally separated by Jefferson Street,” Sheets said. “A lot of times you have family members playing each other.”
This year’s guest speaker is former Pascagoula standout Vick Ballard, who played at Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College and Mississippi State before spending time with the Indianapolis Colts.
“We’ve had former players speak before. They share fun stories about their playing days and being involved in the rivalry,” said Frank Corder, president of the Pascagoula Quarterback Club.
The rivalry dates to 1925, making this year’s game the 86th meeting between the schools. Following the game, the winning team will receive the rivalry trophy from the schools’ alumni associations, continuing a tradition that has become part of the annual matchup.
The breakfast alternates each year between the two school districts. Pascagoula will host this year’s event at the Pascagoula High School Performing Arts Center before the Panthers and Tigers meet at 7 p.m. Aug. 28 in Pascagoula to open the 2026 football season.
