Those are the words of Rockdale coach Jeff Miller, and they paint a clear picture of one of the area’s biggest rivalries.
Rockdale and Cameron Yoe will clash at 7:30 tonight at Tiger Stadium in the 53rd edition of the “Battle of the Bell.” And, as always, there is plenty on the line.
Both teams are looking at playoff berths - the Yoemen (5-3, 2-0 District 18-3A) have clinched a spot and the Tigers (3-6, 2-1) need only a win tonight or a victory by Liberty Hill in one of its final two games - but postseason seeding is still up for grabs.
And then there’s the 117-pound brass railroad bell the teams have played for since 1954, and the Milam County bragging rights that go with it.
Yoe owns a 37-15 edge in the Bell series and has held the prized hardware for three consecutive years, something Rockdale hopes to change tonight.
“With both teams knowing they’re going to the playoffs, there shouldn’t be so much tightness or stress,” Miller said. “We can just go out and play a dang good football game. They’ve had the thing for a few years now, so we need to get that bell back over here.”
The squads mirror each other with dangerous threats in the passing game and playmakers at running back.
The Tigers, who got off to a 1-5 start, have been bolstered by the return of senior running back Kortlin White. Despite missing a handful of games with a thumb injury, White has rushed for more than 700 yards and averages 6.6 yards per carry.
His running has added another dimension to a Rockdale offense that also features quarterback Mark Drake - a better-than 50-percent passer who has thrown for more than 1,200 yards - and receiver Joe Sanders, who has blossomed since moving from QB.
“One key is you have to stop White,” Yoe coach Mike Mullins said. “He can bust through a tackle. If you don’t do a good job of getting him wrapped up, the next thing you know they’re playing the Rockdale fight song.”
The Yoemen counter with the sophomore tandem of quarterback Steven Townsend and James Wells.
Townsend leads the area with 17 touchdown passes, and Wells averages 7 yards per carry.
“It’s still a growing process for Steven because he’s only a sophomore, but he’s done some really good things,” Mullins said. “And with James and the play of our offensive line, it has helped him to get better.”
Like Miller, Mullins knows how big tonight’s game is to both communities.
“This is my eighth year, and I don’t think past records mean a lot,” Mullins said in reference to Yoe’s advantage in the all-time series. “But every year, this game means a lot to both towns.”
