First and Goal: Bowl trophy on the line in cross-county rivalry game

After months of preparation, the high school football season is coming to a close.

This past week, City of Marion Mayor Rodney Berry and City of Mullins Mayor Pam Lee exchanged barbs during the presentation of the Tobacco Bowl trophy.

Perry Grice, representing Anderson Brothers Bank, the sponsor of the second annual Tobacco Bowl game between Marion and Mullins is looking forward to an exciting event.

“I’m very happy about this event and Mullins will win,” Lee said, adding that will bring a crowd of supporters.

“I appreciate the excitement it brings to the county,” Berry said.

The Swamp Foxes (5-4, 2-2) will host the Auctioneers (4-5, 1-3) at Fox Field Friday in hopes of locking down a spot in the playoffs.

Grice said the trophy was scheduled to visit coach Miles Aldridge and the Aucs team during practice Monday and will make a presentation at coach Bryan Carfley and the Foxes practice Thursday.

“It’s about the spirit of the community and it’s just an exciting event to be part of,” Grice said. The winning team gets to display the trophy until the following bowl game.
Marion won the inaugural bowl game 19-12.

The final scores of the rivalry game will be engraved on one of the trophy’s 15 plaques, good for the next 60 years, Grice said.

This year’s rivalry game should be a battle between two evenly matched teams.

The Swamp Foxes have dynamic rushing attack. However, the Auctioneers have a stable of speedy running backs and an emerging wide receiver in Cedric Timmons.

The Creek Bridge Warriors close out the season on the road against Latta. Look for the Warriors end the season with another victory.