Park Crossing-Carver game dubbed Crosstown Showdown, with trophy at stake

by WAKA Action 8 News

Montgomery, AL –  The fledgling rivalry between a Montgomery high school football powerhouse and an impressive upstart has inspired a new name and a new prize for the contest’s winner.

When Carver takes on Park Crossing at 7 p.m. Friday at Cramton Bowl, the teams will be playing for a trophy in the first-ever Heritage Crosstown Showdown. The name plays off the schools’ respective locations: Carver on the west side and Park Crossing on the east.

Heritage Barbershop owner Vladimir Averett said he was proud to support the city’s newest high school rivalry.

“We pride ourselves on community involvement, and this is another way to give back to our community,” Averett said.

Last year’s game stoked the rivalry’s fires, with Park Crossing stunning Carver 29-22 in overtime. It was the Thunderbirds’ first year with a varsity football team, while the Wolverines have been contenders for years.

“Obviously, the event title and trophy will add more to the rivalry,” Carver head coach Billy Gresham said. “Also, this game is very meaningful to both teams for region seedings.”

If the Wolverines win, they will be in a three-way tie with Park Crossing and Northview for first in the region. A Thunderbird victory would move them closer to their goal of winning the region.

“We know Carver will be ready to play. I believe we will as well,” Park Crossing head coach Smitty Grider said. “If this year’s game is as exciting as last year’s, the fans will be in for a treat.”