Jesuit, Holy Cross coaches have appreciation for history on eve of 100th meeting

NEW ORLEANS – Come Friday night at Tad Gormley Stadium, Jesuit’s Mark Songy and Holy Cross’ Guy LeCompte will be on opposite sidelines, wearing different shades of blue.

But on Tuesday at the Greater New Orleans Quarterback Club presented by Home Bank Tuesday at Rock ‘n’ Bowl – a little more than 72 hours before the Blue Jays and Tigers face off for the 100th time in their storied rivalry – the messages from the two head coaches were less about X’s and O’s and more about atmosphere and tradition.

“I have a little saying,” said LeCompte, in his second year at Holy Cross. “‘You don’t really know what you don’t know until you do it.’ Last year, even though I was in the Catholic League all through high school (at Archbishop Shaw), I didn’t know the impact of this game.

“I have a much better idea.”

Added Songy, “It’s a really great event for high school football. If you haven’t been there, it’s a lot of fun.

“I joke with people that we’re going to a parade and a high school football game breaks out.”

Indeed, a parade of both schools’ bands, cheerleaders, mascots and legends of the game makes its way into Gormley about an hour before the 7:15 p.m. kickoff.

“Our kids do a really good job of blocking out the distractions that come with it,” Songy said, “but enjoying the distractions as well.”

Said LeCompte: “I’m learning as I’ve gone through the importance of the rivalry. I’m humbled and honored to be part of it.”

Jesuit leads the all-time series 57-40-1 with the 1937 game ruled no contest. The schools have met every year since 1922 and twice in 1951 and 1963.

The Tigers are 3-1 and on a three-game winning streak after opening District 9-5A play last week with a win at Shaw, while the Jays are 2-2 after falling to Brother Martin in its Catholic League opener last week.

“I know we’ll show up and swing,” Songy said. “This is the Catholic League. Each week is a really neat experience.

“I’m looking forward to it. I’m looking forward mostly to us improving.”

Friday’s game will be televised live on Cox Sports Television and live-streamed on Crescent City Sports. Coverage begins at 7 p.m.