Staff Reports

Starmount football coach Scott Johnson considers Pat Mitchell one of his closest friends. Mitchell was one of the first to greet Johnson as the Rams came off the field following Saturday night's rain-postponed game against East Burke.

But that long-time friendship may be a bit awkward this week. You see, Pat Mitchell coaches Forbush's football team, and the Rams and Falcons collide in their annual Unifi Bowl match-up on Friday night. The two Yadkin schools have one of the fiercest rivalries -- in sports and beyond -- in this part of the North Carolina.

Mitchell has had bragging rights over his buddy the past couple of years. Forbush has won an unprecedented three games in a row over Starmount (Johnson took over the Rams in 2005).

But the Falcons are off to an 0-5 start to this season, suffering a third shutout loss on Saturday afternoon. Forbush struggled to even cross the 50-yard line in a 37-0 loss to visiting North Lincoln.

Johnson's Rams meanwhile seem a team on the upswing, playing well offensively in the 56-22 loss to 4A East Burke. Starmount is 2-3 after its non-conference schedule.

While winning the Unifi Trophy is always a nice feather for the cap, both teams covet a win Friday for more crucial reasons. The victor gets to start 1-0 in the Mountain Valley 2A standings.

"I think that bunch right there," Johnson said, pointing to his team after Saturday's game, "they can do some things in the league this year. They fought (Saturday) and I'm pleased."

Forbush may have won the last three meetings but Starmount dominates the overall series. The Falcons have just 10 wins in four decades.