Jags seek redemption in Classic City Championship
In the 59th annual Classic City Championship, the Cedar Shoals Jaguars football team will seek to break their six-year losing streak against the Clarke Central Gladiators.
New Jaguar head football coach Rusty Charpia was hired on Feb. 13, 2025, coming from Brookland-Cayce High School in Cayce, South Carolina where he was the winningest coach in school history. Charpia believes that the atmosphere of the rivalry game won’t affect the players because the team will treat it like any other game.
“We’re not going to make that game the end of all ends, I think that’s been a mistake. In fact, we’ve only won one in the last 20. So when you build that thing up to be such a big deal and you don’t win it, it deflates the atmosphere a little bit. I think that may have happened sometimes so we’re approaching this game like it’s any other game,” Charpia said.
While Charpia aims to manage expectations, Central head football coach David Perno is leaning into the pressure.
“I don’t think the game is going to be a big issue. I’m hoping my guys will actually play better in this kind of game,” Perno said.
To take the necessary steps for one of their most anticipated games of the season and first game of the season, Charpia added multiple new aspects to the program.
“We have a new coach, new uniforms, a different style of coaching and practice, a little different offense, different defense. [We] got a new defensive coordinator. Probably a little more emphasis in the weight room, maybe a little more preparation. I don’t know exactly what was done before, but we’re not living in the past,” Charpia said.
To equip himself for the upcoming game, junior running back/safety Desmond Moss is doing everything he can to ensure a win by working hard to improve himself and the team.
“I’m preparing by watching film all the time, watching the tendencies of the defense and going hard in practice so in the game it’s as simple as muscle memory,” Moss said.
A crucial piece of last season’s defense, Moss also averaged 6.6 yards per carry out of the backfield. Moss’ ability stood out to Charpia immediately.
“He’s such a good student and a good person, and he’s willing to play both sides of the ball. He’s a kid that’s probably going to play collegiately. He’s a good wrestler and he’s just a junior, so you’ll see him on the field probably the entire game,” Charpia said.
Going into the weekend, Moss believes that the new-look Cedar team can overcome the odds and defeat the Gladiators.
“We plan on focusing on their weaknesses and exploiting them. We have prepared well and I believe we’re going to show up and if we do what we’ve been taught to do, at the end of the game the long losing streak will be broken,” Moss said.
The game will take place at Waters-Wilkins stadium on Aug. 16, at 3 p.m. Tickets can be purchased on GoFan.
