Ira Cronin | A rivalry above the fray

Two weeks ago head coach Tom Knotts was suspended with pay after getting involved in an altercation with a parent after a JV loss. Friday night, Knotts was back on the sidelines. But this time questions regarding a player’s eligibility surrounded the pre-game atmosphere. Senior cornerback Ranzell Watkins was suspended before the game as CMS investigates the exact whereabouts of his residence.

What I can tell you for sure is that just as two weeks ago, once the ball was in the air the controversy was nothing but a memory as the atmosphere and quality of play stood at the forefront. While the roles were reversed this time around as far as who won the game, in my opinion the real winners are the fans of these two fine programs. The Mint Hill rivalry is a real rivalry, and let us hope it stays that way for a long time to come.