Not to sound too dramatic, but we are living in stressful times nowadays. We have, so unfortunately, a divided country, with extremists from all factions unwilling to compromise or listen to “the other side”. There are, sadly, two horrible wars raging in Europe and the Middle East. Other issues—economic, health-related, and otherwise—are also out there.
So it was that at the annual “Battle of the Cats Breakfast” on August 30, I was able to take a deep breath of fresh air reminding me of what is good about this old world. The event, sponsored jointly by Pascagoula High School and Moss Point High School on the morning of each year’s Panthers-Tigers football clash to start the season, was held at PHS’s sparkling, state-of-the-art Performing Arts Center, and was a huge success by any and all measures.
Pascagoula High’s excellent principal Milton Ray was master of ceremonies, and introduced an impressive line-up of speakers. These included both school system superintendents—Billy Ellzey for Pascagoula and Dr. Oswago Harper for Moss Point (we are blessed to have these two gentlemen leading our educational organizations); both city mayors, Jay Willis of Pascagoula and Billy Knight of Moss Point; the two head ball coaches, Lewis Sims for the Panthers and Julius Bridges for the Tigers; and representatives from the Panther and Tiger football teams and cheer squads. Your intrepid columnist even gave a historical perspective on the Pascagoula-Moss Point football series.
What struck me most about the program was the civility, warmth, and inclusive approach exhibited by the entire speaker agenda. Listen, the Pascagoula-Moss Point athletic rivalry is as intense as you’ll see anywhere. Both sides want to beat the heck out of the other on the fields and courts, and each person that took the dais said so.
Those feelings didn’t rule the day, however. Each presentation left you with the impression that, hey, we’ve got a good thing going with our two cities and schools, and isn’t that a positive situation.
The two mayors did their part to help set the tone. Mayor Willis, sporting his Panther letter jacket from back in the day, talked about growing up in both Moss Point and Pascagoula. Mayor Knight, dapper as always in a classy suit, reminisced about coming to coach at Carver High in the 60s and watching the rivalry over the years.
When the players and cheerleaders came up, there was no trash talk. “We plan to win” and “Go Panthers/Go Tigers” of course, but nothing incendiary or mean spirited. Plus, every young person who spoke was articulate and had interesting points to make. Judging by these students from the two schools, our future is in good hands locally.
Coach Sims and Coach Bridges really brought the whole deal together with their presentations. Both men played for MPHS, so they know the rivalry inside and out. They evoked memories of past legendary coaches like MPHS’s Jerry Alexander and PHS’s Bill Matthews, and showed sincere respect for each other and for both teams and high schools.
The game itself drew a large and spirited crowd to War Memorial Stadium in Pascagoula that night. The Panthers, who have a really talented team, won 48-0, but that truly seemed somewhat inconsequential to the proceedings of the entire day.
For one day, at least, all those involved got to witness what the world can be like at its best. Good people. Respect. Warmth and enthusiasm. Impressive youth. Joy and celebration. So, thanks to the Pascagoula and Moss Point high schools and communities, we were able to smile about life and enjoy the moments. Let me tell you, it felt good.
Richard Lucas may be contacted at rblucas17@gmail.com.
*All photos are courtesy of the Pascagoula-Gautier School District
