By Brandon Walker
assistant sports editor
For fans of high school football, the time between now and the start of the 2008 season might seem like an eternity.
In reality, football returns to the area in just 23 days. For the hardcore fan, though, those 23 days might be tough to deal with.
So, in our daily Countdown to Kickoff, we turn our attention today to something that might hold a superfan's attention.
On August 15, Mike Frascogna and sons will release their second book in as many years centered around Miss. high school football. The first one, Gridiron Gold, told the story of Mississippi's favorite pastime through the eyes of the state's legendary coaches.
This time around, Frascogna turns his attention to another aspect of state football lore.
In just over a week, Frascogna's new book, Y'all vs. Us, will be unveiled. Y'all vs. Us centers around the many rivalries that shape the landscape of Friday night in Mississippi, mainly focusing on 15 of the state's greatest.
For local fans, that includes chapters on a pair of area foes. In a rivalry that has become especially heated over the last few years, the Meridian Wildcats and Oak Grove Warriors seem to meet with championship implications every season.
For the past few years, the winner of that matchup has appeared to have a leg up in the race for reach Jackson from the ranks of Class 5A South.
Because of the fierceness of the rivalry between the Region 3-5A powers, the Wildcats and Warriors will share a chapter in Frascogna's book and a special edition with an MHS/OG cover will be available for purchase at Meridian High School.
According to Frascogna's website, the passion that sets apart the MHS-OG rivalry can also be found throughout the state with 14 other rivalries featured.
According to the website, "Y’all vs. Us explores the histories, people, traditions, and memorable events that have created 15 of the greatest high school football rivalries in Mississippi. Y’all vs. Us seeks to preserve the delicate history of Mississippi’s high school football tradition, to educate today’s students on their local heritage, and to further excite Mississippians about the state’s most unique natural resource."
Other notable rivalries include Wayne County-West Jones, South Panola-Olive Branch. Clinton-Madison Central and others across the state.
