By Dan Hardenbrook
Newberry and Engadine will renew their rivalry on the football field this week, when the junior varsity teams from both schools will meet up in a special showcase exhibition. While both varsity programs prepare for week two opponents that do not have JV teams, the younger players in their respective programs will shine under the lights at the Frank A. Salzeider Field in Engadine.
The scrimmage will not count toward official records or individual players’ five-quarter limit for the week (making them still eligible to play for their Varsity teams this weekend). But plenty of bragging rights will be on the line.
Newberry Athletic Director Anthony Kitzman and newly hired Engadine ADs Megan and Gregg Franckowiak came up with the idea to bring the football rivalry back to the local communities. Officials could not be secured on short notice, so varsity coaches Zach Clickner (Newberry) and Charlie Fosdick (Engadine) will oversee a crew of volunteers to referee the event and make the night possible.
The two neighboring districts hope to resume the battle for the Little Brown Jug series at the varsity level next season, after Engadine and Newberry went in separate directions with their scheduling in recent seasons.
Thursday night’s matchup will be played as a “simulated game”, using traditional timing and down and distance rules with penalties enforced. It will resemble live game situations as closely as normal, with some exceptions to limit contact and protect player safety. There will be no admission, and the public is encouraged to attend and cheer on their teams. Kick off will be at 7 p.m.
