University Academy senior center Keaton Davis looked into the camera at the 4th annual DiPasquale/Moore PrepsKC Media Day and tried to downplay the hype surrounding the Gryphons' Week One game at Lincoln College Prep.
Davis, a wise and crafty veteran — he was chosen team captain for good reason — has taken a measured approach to the showdown some have dubbed the Battle of the City.
“It’s a lot of built up animosity that I think is unnecessary,” Davis said. “Both teams are really good programs. Everybody is just excited for the game.”
Amen to that. It’s not officially fall in Missouri but Friday night lights are back on. And what better way to kick off a new season with two programs trying to prove themselves against cross-time rivals?
The contest between University Academy and Lincoln Prep is the DiPasquale/Moore PrepsKC Metro Game of the Week.
“I'm just really excited for me and my teammates to show what we’re capable of,” Davis said.
UA head coach Andrew Blakemore didn’t shy away from the preseason expectations for this game. The Gryphons were 3-6 last season. Still, some good-natured barbs have been traded between the teams. Plenty of trash talk has been spoken. The pads are about to be put on for real this week. And as one of Blakemore’s assistants likes to remind the Gryphons, Missouri is called the Show-Me state for a reason.
“On Friday, someone is going to have to show,” Blakemore said.
Lincoln Prep senior running back and linebacker Ashaun Moore said the anticipated matchup with UA is about focus. Over the last couple of weeks of practice, the Blue Tigers have watched plenty of film of their opponent and been locked in during drills, according to Moore.
Now, “we’ve got to earn it,” Moore said.
Lincoln Prep, officially 2-8, last season forfeited six games a year ago. The Blue Tigers have enjoyed a recent run of success unmatched by many of its competitors in the Interscholastic League and beyond.
But this year’s roster features only six returning seniors, according to second-year head coach Marcus Crosdale. He’ll learn a lot about his squad in this looming battle for bragging rights. History and tradition is on Lincoln Prep’s side, but that means little to Crosdale and his bunch. He wants his team to “embrace the grind,” he said.
“We’re a young team but we’ve been working our butt off all offseason to prepare for this,” Crosdale said. “I’m very confident in our boys.”
