NATCHEZ — Cathedral head coach Ron Rushing’s spotless record against rival St. Aloysius stayed untouched Friday as the Green Wave cruised in a 31-6 victory to open the 2015 season.

With the win, the Green Wave pushed their winning streak in the rivalry to seven, but players still stressed the importance of the win.

“It is awesome for our seniors knowing they beat St. Al the last time they are going to play them,” junior quarterback Conner Mire said. “That is unless we meet again in the playoffs.”

Cathedral senior Jardarius Anderson agreed the game still carried an extra weight of importance to the team.

“It’s very big, especially for the older guys on the team,” he said.

The contest between St. Aloysius and Cathedral was the first since both catholic schools moved from the Mississippi High School Activities Association to the Mississippi Association of Independent Schools. While the move might have pitted both schools in a similar situation, the teams felt right at home battling against one another Friday night.

Although multiple flags flew in the game for unsportsmanlike conduct, Anderson said the two teams managed to keep things civil on the field.

“There was some talking at times, but it really wasn’t too bad,” he said.

Anderson also said that the win gives the Green Wave a big boost moving forward, but it is extra sweet with a win against the Flashes under their belt.

“We’ve got some extra momentum after this win heading into next week,” he said.

But is the rivalry losing flavor with the recent dominance from Cathedral, with the last two victories coming by a combined margin of 80-20?

Players beg to differ.

“It’s always awesome to beat St. Al,” Cathedral running back Zach Flattmann said. “It really is.”