Four seasons.

That’s how long it’s been since Wilkinson County rivals Centreville Academy and Wilkinson County Christian Academy clashed on the gridiron.

That will change tonight when the Rams travel to take on the Tigers in each team’s 2017 opening game.

“It’s an old rivalry,” Centreville coach Bill Hurst said. “I’m glad we are able to renew that rivalry and hope to have a big crowd.”

WCCA head coach Mac Newcomb said because of schools’ proximity to each other makes the game “extra special” for the players.

“This is for bragging rights for the rest of their lives around this community,” he said.

The showdown also serves as Newcomb’s first game as WCCA head coach. Newcomb took over the program after former coach Chris McGraw left for Amite School Center in the offseason.

“I’m going to be nervous,” Newcomb said of his emotions at game time. “We want to do well and make a good showing. I want my boys to do well. I hope we can make some things happen.”

Newcomb said his squad, an MAIS A team, will be at a disadvantage number wise to the AA Tigers, but the Rams can overcome by executing their assignments.

“We have to play aggressive and error free,” he said. “Like any team that’s an underdog, you need to go things right and not turn the ball over. They’re big and they have a lot of numbers.”

Centreville enters the matchup fresh off a pair of impressive jamboree wins last week. The Tigers dismantled Loyd Star 24-0 before racing past Cathedral, 24-6.

Hurst said the key to last week’s success was the running game.

“I thought the offensive line blocked real well and created some holes,” he said. “There’s no doubt that the key to moving the ball is a good offensive line.

“The defense was aggressive. We gave up a few big plays, but overall I thought we played pretty good.”

Kickoff is set for 7 p.m.