MADISON – Madison City Schools superintendent Robby Parker had a good reminder Wednesday of what’s really important leading up to Friday’s rivalry football game between James Clemens and Bob Jones. “It’s about the kids,” he said in a Facebook post.

The 8th annual Madison Bowl will be held at the Madison City Stadium on Celtic Drive. Kick-off is at 7 p.m.

“It is one of the most exciting weeks of the year. There will be 10,000 plus people at the game,” he said. “We have the best kids in the state and I want them to be showcased.”

“Both football teams will be ready and I can assure you will play hard,” Parker continued. “The bands, dance teams, and flag corps will be prepared to give their best performances of the year for the home town crowds. The cheerleaders will have clever signs and will be rooting for their team to beat the other. It’s ok. Let’s all have fun with it and remember it’s about the kids.”

Both teams are entering the game 0-2, an unusual start for the two schools. Bob Jones lost at home to 6A Muscle Shoals last week and James Clemens lost by one point in the last seconds of their game against Clay-Chalkville.

Besides being the cross-city rivalry game, the Madison Bowl will be a Class 7A Region 4 match-up.

“I have no idea who will win the game,” Parker said. “I played football in high school, coached it for 10 years and was part of high school football as an assistant principal or principal another 17 years. I never once knew for sure who would win or lose a game.”

He said one things he does know is that “the world never ended when I lost, nor did a pot of gold fall on my head after victory. The sun rose the next day and it was time to prepare for the next one.”

“Friday night at 10, one team will have won and one team will have lost. That night, the players, students, band members, and cheerleaders will be out on the town laughing and talking with their friends from both schools. On Saturday morning at 6 a.m., the sun will rise no matter the outcome,” he said. “The only difference in our kids Friday night is that some are zoned for BJ and some are zoned for JC. In the end, they are all Madison City kids. I pray for the safety of our kids and wisdom of all adults including myself.”

Parker also offered some helpful tips for people going to the game:
• Get to the game early. Parking will be at a premium.
• Buy your tickets early. Both JC and BJ are sending out messengers giving directions how to purchase tickets in advance. Tickets will be available at the gate, but you can imagine how long the line will be.
• This year, you can use your credit or debit card at the game. You can purchase your ticket or buy concessions with a card.
• BJ is the Home team this year and will sit on the home side.