Corey Green

For Memphis University School, not even a game on ESPN U against South Panola in week three can surpass the historical Division 2-AA West Region match-up that will take place Friday when the Christian Brothers High School Purple Wave (7-1, 1-0) travel less than two miles to take on the Owls (8-0, 1-0) at Hull-Dobbs Athletic Field.

The two all-male schools have met 28 times since the new MUS started, with the Owls holding a slight 15-13 advantage. The original MUS and CBHS rivalry dates back to the 1890’s.

“Before I came to MUS, I knew about the rivalry,” said senior star quarterback Barry Brunetti, who is 1-2 against the Purple Wave. “It’s two of the most prominent private schools, two schools not far from each other, maybe an exit away. We could be 0-8 and they could be 0-8 and the game still will be packed and sold out, and each team will play its hardest.”

Senior quarterback Barry Brunetti (left) and the Memphis University School Owls huddle during a practice prior to this year’s version of the annual rivalry with Christian Brothers High School on Friday. (Photos by Warren Roseborough).

Brunetti goes through his practice paces. He’s expecting a playoff atmosphere in the game against the Purple Wave of CBHS.

In a game where opposing players live in the same neighborhoods and the coaches know each other, Owls coach Bobby Alston’s main concern will be the emotion of the gridiron battle.

“We must separate our emotions from the game, particularly with our guys who have to be decision makers, and make plays for us,” Alston said. “Emotion usually detracts from execution, so that’s why this game is usually a game that isn’t pretty. Guys are scratching and clawing and trying to do everything they can to win.”

Though the Owls lead the overall meetings, CBHS has won two of the last three games. MUS won last season with a 21-14 victory in week five. The Owls went on to run the table and win the 2008 Division 2-AA state title, finishing the year a perfect 13-0.

Friday’s game could decide first or second place. The first-place team plays all its playoff games at home except the championship. The second-place team plays the first playoff game home and then has to travel to Nashville, Chattanooga or Memphis.

“Both teams are fighting for a playoff spot,” Alston said. “We’re fighting for home field advantage. With our league being spread out across the state, our seeding is important. The more games you can get to play at home, the better you are. I think history has shown that your odds increase dramatically when you get to play at home. They have for us anyway.”

The Owls have the hardware to prove it, having also won back-to-back Division 2-AA state titles in 2004 and 2005.

“Each year you want to come in and play at the end of the season,” Brunetti said. “That’s the only thing that matters. That’s what people remember you as. We’ve had some great things happen at the beginning of the season, but you only will be remembered if you get the gold trophy. That’s what makes this game so big. It will be a playoff atmosphere. I’m just ready to play.”