By Robert Hudson

The Selma Times-Journal

Thursday night’s showdown between the Meadowview Christian School Trojans and Ellwood Christian Academy Eagles not only has the chance to produce intense action on the gridiron, it could also develop into a rivalry that brings together a community.

Thursday night’s game will be played at Meadowview’s Wasden Field at 7 p.m. and will be the first matchup between the two schools since Ellwood’s return to 11-man football this season.

While some rivalries are known to divide fan bases, those involved think this one can bring people on both sides together.

“I think it’s going to bring a lot of local people around here to watch the game,” said Cullen Nickles, Student Government Association president at Meadowview. “There are going to be a lot of people coming from different backgrounds coming to watch this game. I think it’s going to bring the community together.”

Students from both schools agree that the matchup is an opportunity to bring together each community for the shared joy of watching football.

“It’ll be good because we can all come together and not have any worries,” said Tammy Carter, a student at Ellwood.

“We’ll get along much better if we see that we can come to the game and enjoy ourselves.”

Even though they’ll be lining up against each other on opposing sides of the ball come Thursday night, players on both teams believe the game can become sotmething that benefits the community.

“I think it’s going to be pretty good,” said Demarcus Powell, running back for Ellwood.

“I think it’s good to have a rival in town.”

Meadowview center Matt Gandy said it’s an opportunity to bring a lot of positive attention to both schools.

“We get to play for bragging rights in the town,” Gandy said.

“It’s good for the community and brings publicity to both schools.”