CBHS takes on MUS tomorrow night at MUS. There is a lot of history behind the two teams.
It's More Than Just a Rivalry by Browning Stubbs, '12
The rivalry between Christian Brothers and Memphis University School has become one of the greatest rivalries in the state of Tennessee. According to local sports historian, Mr. John Guinozzo, it is in fact the oldest rivalry in the city of Memphis.
The first high school football game played in Memphis was between Christian Brothers College High vs. MUS on December 21, 1894. In this game, not only did the students play, but the coaches for both teams played as well.
Mr. Guinozzo confirms that the rivalry is the 15th oldest in the nation from when the series started. Furthermore, Mr. Guinozzo recalled some of the early rules of football. Touchdowns were worth four points, and field goals were worth five points. If your team scored, then the other team had to kick off to you.
According to Mr. Guinozzo, there was controversy over a touchdown that was scored by CBHS in the early 1900's. In those days, the rule was that the ball had to touch the ground in the end zone for it to be a touchdown. During one of those early games, a player on Christian Brothers did not touch the ball on the ground. The referees still called it a touchdown.
Consequently, this caused some tension between the teams. A brawl started and made the game look ugly.
As a result, CBHS and MUS quit playing each other for over a twenty year span. In the early 1920's, both high schools agreed to put the past behind them and continue the rivalry that started in Memphis.
"We both have respect for each other, even though there is a lot of intensity that goes on during the game," said CBHS head coach Kevin Locastro.
World History teacher, and MUS graduate, Mr. Webster Cannon, receives a little attention when this game comes around. Most of the students want to know who he cheers for.
"All of the games are close, the coaches are above board, and both the schools and programs have a healthy respect for each other," said Mr. Cannon.
Throughout history, the rivalry between CBHS and MUS has been back and forth. Friday's game will be the 51st meeting since the series began in 1894. MUS holds a narrow all-time advantage 24-23-3.
Coach Loscastro and Mr. Fay will never forget what happened in 2005. In early October, CBHS beat MUS 14-10. The two rivals would end up meeting in the state championship game. The Brothers got off to an early lead that carried over into the fourth quarter. "Unfortunately, MUS came back to win, but it was a major season for both schools," said Mr. Fay.
The Brothers come into the game with momentum after beating MUS last year in the Cellular South Y'all vs. Us game. Christian Brothers defeated MUS 21-14 on regional television on a last second touchdown, scored by Ramadi Warren.
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