August 31, 2006

JACKSON -- For the first time in 47 years, Millsaps College and Mississippi College will renew their football rivalry on a campus site, with the sixth annual “Backyard Brawl” scheduled for a 7 p.m. kickoff on Saturday, Sept. 2 at Harper Davis Field on the campus of Millsaps.

The longstanding rivalry renewed in the fall of 2000 – after a 41-year absence – with the Majors knocking off the Choctaws on a last second field goal, 20-19. The Majors, picked to finish last in the conference in 2000 and counted out by every sportswriter in the area, pulled off one of the biggest upsets in the series rivalry.

The upcoming contest will mark the 44th meeting between the two teams, with history giving the Choctaws a 26-11 series advantage. The teams have also combined for six ties in 1923, '28, '35, '37, '56 and '58.

Although the Choctaws hold a commanding lead in the series, the Majors have won three of the last five contests, including a 9-0 win at Veteran’s Memorial Stadium in 2004.

All tickets for the game are general admission seating and can be purchased for $10 ($15 day of) by contacting the Millsaps Athletic Department at (601) 974-1190. Kids five and under are free.

Millsaps students can pick up their tickets on the service road located behind the cafeteria and are free of charge with valid student i.d.