Assistant coach Troy Baglio (far left) was beginning his sixth year as defensive coordinator of the 2005 team, which included (from left) assistant coach George Scheaffer, Danny Zimmermann ’07, Max Gruenig ’06, Jean-Marc Bonin ’06, Matt Babin ’06, Josh Romig ’06, Cooper McGregor ’06, Rougie Odor ’06, Eric Cusimano ’06, Connor Flint ’08, and former athletic director Frank Misuraca.

It’s Rivalry Week! And that means it’s time for the 96th meeting of Jesuit and Holy Cross. The Blue Jays will take on their longtime crosstown rivals, the Tigers of Holy Cross, on Friday, Oct. 2 with kickoff at 7:15 p.m. at Tad Gormley Stadium.

The Blue Jay community is invited to experience the renewal of one of the oldest prep football rivalries in the country with several activities leading up to the game. Once again, the Great American Rivalry Series has included the game on its schedule.

Students are encouraged to wear their Rivalry t-shirts to school on Friday, Oct. 2. T-shirts are $10 each.

Rivalry T-Shirts

Newly designed 2015 rivalry game-day t-shirts are now on sale in the Student Commons each day this week before school, during the 10-minute break, and at lunch. Shirts will also be available to purchase on Friday at the Rivalry Tailgate Party just outside Tad Gormley Stadium. T-shirts are $10 each.

Rivalry Tailgate Party

Jesuit and Holy Cross families will meet for a combined tailgate beginning at 4:30 p.m. Jesuit families should meet at the blue and white tent (outside Tad Gormley Stadium on the Marconi Drive entrance) where an enhanced menu of complimentary jambalaya, hamburgers, hot dogs, pork chops on skewers, pulled pork sliders, smoked sausage and green onion sausage with onions on buns, alligator meat sliders, and soft drinks will be served.

Rivalry t-shirts will be on sale and Jesuit’s Student Council will be on hand hosting fun events filled with Blue Jay Spirit.

Holy Cross’s Thunder and Jesuit’s Jayson lead the 2014 Great American Rivalry Parade prior to the 95th meeting of Jesuit and Holy Cross on Friday, Oct. 10, 2014.

Krewe of Rivalry Parade

At 6:15 p.m. the Krewe of Rivalry Parade will be led by Jayson and Holy Cross’s Thunder the Tiger. The parade will feature each school’s marching band, cheerleaders, dance team, and this year’s Legends of the Game and distinguished military alumni honorees.

Ticket Information

Pre-sale ticket prices are $6 each for adults and non-Jesuit students and $3 each for children (ages 6-11). Tickets will be on sale at the switchboard Tuesday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. and in the Student Commons on Friday during lunch. All tickets purchased at the gate are $8 each.

Students are strongly urged to purchase pre-sale tickets for family members and friends as long ticket lines are expected at Tad Gormley on gameday. Student and faculty IDs as well as season passes will be accepted at the gate.

Parking

Parking is available for $5 at Delgado Community College. Stadium parking will be via the Roosevelt Mall entrance only. Parking is prohibited on the Marconi Drive neutral ground and in some areas along Marconi Drive. Violators will be ticketed and possibly towed.

Game Broadcast

The game will be broadcast live by WHNO Channel 20 and streamed online at SportsNola.com. Ken Berthelot will be handling play-by-play and former Jesuit coach Wayde Keiser ’78 will assist as an analyst. Air-time is 7 p.m.

Scholar-Athlete

A traditional feature of this Great American Rivalry is the recognition of the senior letterman on each team for his academic achievement. Jesuit’s 2015 Scholar-Athlete is Evan Slattery.  The Great American Rivalry Series will present a $500 scholarship check to Evan and Holy Cross’s Scholar-Athlete, Chris Bologna.

Legends of the Game

During this 10th anniversary year of Hurricane Katrina, Jesuit and Holy Cross proudly recognize the schools’ 2005 “Katrina” football teams. Thanks to Katrina, one of the nation’s longest consecutively played prep rivalries almost came to an end. But thanks to the determination of the schools’ administrations and coaches, the game was played and the streak continued. The record will show that Holy Cross won the game. But the score of this game is hardly important. That the game was played stands as a testament to resilience, determination, and survival. Jesuit and Holy Cross proudly honor these teams that stand out as two of the schools’ most memorable and important teams. The teams will be recognized during a halftime ceremony.

Retired Army Reserves LTC William J. Furlong III ’52

Honored Alumnus Veteran

Also during the National Anthem ceremony Jesuit and Holy Cross will each honor an alumnus for his distinguished and meritorious military service to the United States. Jesuit proudly recognizes retired Army Reserves LTC William J. Furlong III ’52. LTC Furlong’s distinguished career includes service in Germany during the Cold War, the Korean Conflict, and the Viet Nam War. In 1972 after 15 years of active duty in the Army, he transitioned to the Army Reserves and put in another 13 years of service.  After 28 years of service, Furlong retired in 1985, having been awarded two Bronze Stars for distinguished service. Furlong and Holy Cross’s honoree, Rear Adm. Victor Guillory will be honored during the pre-game ceremonies.

FCA Community Service Scholarship

A new feature of the Rivalry Game will be the presentation of the Community Service Scholarship to a senior football player from each team whose volunteerism in service to others has been exemplary. The award is being sponsored by The Fellowship of Christian Athletes. At the conclusion of the 3rd quarter, Dr. Benny Jones, FCA Multi-Area Director, will present a $500 scholarship to Austin Reed of Jesuit and Isaiah Carpenter of Holy Cross.

Post-Game Awards (Golden Football)

Since 2006 the Golden Football has resided at the winning team’s school. After last year’s victory over the Tigers, the travelling trophy is back home. Preceding the presentation of the Golden Football to the winning team, the Great American Rivalry Series will present a trophy to the winning team and recognize the game’s MVP.

Read More…

The New Orleans Advocate: Holy Cross – Jesuit more than a football rivalry

Nola.com: Week 5 picks: Rivalry games galore as district play gets rolling

BlueJaysTigers.com – A website dedicated to information about this longstanding rivalry.