Part 2 in a 2-part series on the much-anticipated Leeds-Moody matchup, Friday, October 14.
By Johnny Sanders
For the Tribune
MOODY — If the 2022 season ended today, it would likely go down as the greatest season in Moody High School football history.
The Leeds-Moody matchup on Friday, October 14 is one of the most anticipated games in 2022. (Photos by Ron Burkett)
Longest win streak (9 games dating back to last year), most points scored in a season (392 with 2 games left to go), first 8-0 start in program history. To go along with these stats, every Friday night, whether at home or away, the community has more than filled the stands for their hometown Blue Devils.
In his first season as Moody head coach, Jake Ganus and his team have this entire community in an absolute frenzy over their Blue Devils. Thankfully for those joining in on the fun, the season does not end today. It continues Friday night at “The Bill” as 8-0 Moody, ranked third in 5A, hosts the “Battle of the Bridge” against 7-0 Leeds, ranked second in 5A.
“It’s a great rivalry. They’ve got a great team, obviously. I know our guys will be up for that game,” said Ganus. When asked about preparation, Ganus said,
“It’s always about us. How we play. How we prepare. If we ever make it about an opponent or make it bigger than it is, then I feel like you’re beat before you get there.” His boys have obviously bought into that process and it is paying off.
But this game has become bigger than just those who will be on the field Friday night. “It’s a huge game for our community, “said Nick Rutledge, now in his seventh year as a Moody City Councilman. A native of Clay, Rutledge said the buzz surrounding Friday’s Leeds-Moody game reminds him of another famous high school rivalry. “Similar in feel to the Clay-Chalkville versus Hewitt Trussville rivalry back when I was in school. It’s like a friendly hate.
“We have been on the losing side mostly but we are really behind this team. Friday night is going to be a great environment for high school football and I expect great pride to be on display from both communities,” added Rutledge.” To me, this is the purest form of football we have left.”
Ken Crowe, who played on one of the very first middle school teams in Moody, and his family have been in the community since the 1970s. He said he’s hoping for a Moody victory and, possibly, an undefeated season. “It’s just like any other rivalry game. It’s going to be a big game no matter what. If we can pull it out, maybe we get the first 10-0 season in history.
‘I’ve been here for a long time, and it is great to see this kind of excitement in the community,” Crowe added. “We have all bought in. This blue and gold runs deep.”
Willie Strickland has seen both sides of this rivalry. Now the sideline reporter for Moody on 94.1 The River, Strickland was born and raised in Leeds, graduated from Leeds, spent 21 years as PA Announcer there, and still lives there.
“A few years ago, as only He can do, God moved me across the bridge to start a business in Moody. I started Divine Fitness and it has become my ministry there,” said Strickland. “I still have love for Leeds. It’s still home. But I would really like to see these kids (Moody) get this one. Moody is 2-12 against Leeds.
“I want to see a good, hard-fought, classy game from both teams – and the fans,” Strickland added. “It is a big game, but at the end of the day, it’s just that. A game.”
Moody has made accommodations for those who are not able to make it to The Bill on Friday night. “Yeah, it’s so big we’ve opened the Moody Civic Center so more people can enjoy the game. Both communities are invited to take advantage of this,” said Rutledge.
With so much on the line, there is no doubt that The Bill (and the school buses) will be rocking under the Friday Night Lights this week.
