By Robert Hudson

The Selma Times-Journal

When the Ellwood Christian Academy Eagles football team takes the field Thursday night, not only will the sense of urgency be heightened as both teams search for their first win, but also because they’ll be facing an in-town rival.

The Eagles (0-3, 0-2) will face in-town and region foe Meadowview Christian School (0-3, 0-2) Thursday night at 7 p.m. at Meadowview’s Wasden Field.

Ellwood head football coach Mike Stokes said his team has been working on improving going into Thursday’s game.

“Right now, we’re just focusing on getting better as a team,” Stokes said. “Our special teams play has got to get a little better. Secondary play has to get better. If that gets better, I think we’ll be okay.”

Meadowview head coach John Glasscock believes the matchup between the Eagles and Trojans has the potential to bud into a rivalry that benefits both schools and the community, and Stokes agrees.

“He is right. It could be a great rivalry for each school,” Stokes said. “Hopefully with our kids playing and their kids playing it’ll bring the city closer together.”

Stokes said his team will face a tough Trojans squad in the first meeting of this potential rivalry.

“They’re going to be a good football team and they’re going to be a well-coached football team,” Stokes said.

“I know coach Glasscock’s going to have them ready. They’re a good, physical football team.”

Stokes said, in order to come out on top Thursday night, the Eagles will have to contain a tough Meadowview running attack and play a complete football game.

“We have to play four quarters. We haven’t played a four-quarter game all year,” Stokes said.

“If we play a full four quarters, I think we’ll be alright. We’ve also got to stop the run and be careful on the play action and just not get beat deep in the secondary.”