On Friday night (9/28/12) long time Louisville rivals St. Xavier and Trinity will meet for the 74^th time. The game has become a community event with a crowd of some 37,000 + expected at Papa John’s Cardinal Stadium.  Alumni from both schools make the annual pilgrimage back to Louisville to see their beloved Tigers and Shamrocks battle on the field. Overall, St. X holds a one game advantage with a 36-35-2 overall record. After a Tiger sweep (regular season and playoff game) in 2009, the past two years have been all Trinity as the Shamrocks have outscored their rival by a combined four game total of 166-19.

 Coming into this years contest, Trinity (5-0) is again ranked in the top ten in most national polls. St. X is (4-2) and played tough in a 34-27 loss two weeks ago to highly regarded Cincinnati Moeller. This will be the first in state game for Trinity as their schedule has to date consisted of many of the better teams in Tennessee, Ohio and Indiana. Adding an additional element of "zing" to this years contest is that Tiger coach Mike Glaser will be retiring after this season. He has been at the helm of the St. X program for 31 years.

 For both schools, this is known as “Pride Week”. In addition to the freshman and JV football games there was a matchup of the states top two undefeated soccer teams on Wednesday night. [That game ended in a scoreless tie as it was called due to lightning at halftime]. Alumni even share in the spirit of competition as grads battle in a golf tournament for the Shaleighleigh Cup. A crowd of 1500 + gathered Wednesday for a luncheon honoring both schools. ESPN’s Kirk Herbstreet was the keynote speaker.

 As for a game preview, the Tigers “run heavy” offense will feature speedy junior running back Charles Walker, a strong offensive line and a stubborn defense led by senior (lb) Deonte Clyburn. Trinity has multiple weapons featuring the 1-2 punch of James Quick (wr) and Dalyn Dawkins (rb). On defense, (de) James Hatcher has committed to USC and (db) Ryan White to Vandy.

 While both teams anticipate a rematch in the state 6A playoffs, Friday’s game is their current focus and is for “bragging rights”. History has proven  the favored team does not always come out on top in this matchup. However, one thing is for sure, that being these two teams, two of Kentucky’s best, have one of the top rivalry games in the United States.