Player and Coach Reunite to Promote Renewal of Jesuit vs. Pensacola Football Rivalry

Posted July 26, 2013 / Last updated October 10, 2013

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Head football coach Wayde Keiser ’78 recently visited with his former Jesuit coach, Billy Murphy, at a news conference at Pensacola High School where it was announced that the two schools would be renewing their long-dormant rivalry over the next two seasons.

Head football coach Wayde Keiser ’78 recently visited with his former Jesuit coach, Billy Murphy, at a news conference at Pensacola High School where it was announced that the two schools would be renewing their long-dormant rivalry over the next two seasons.

The Blue Jays and the Pensacola Tigers, fierce interstate rivals in 17 games played from 1946-1966, are rekindling their gridiron relationship this season. The two schools play each other on Friday, September 27 at Tad Gormley Stadium. Kickoff is at 7 p.m. Next year, the Jays reciprocate by traveling to the land of the Tigers.

Jesuit leads the series, 11-6. But two of Jesuit’s losses were severe blows. The Jays lost only one game during each of their 1953 and 1960 state championship seasons. Both losses were dealt by the Tigers.

At a news conference on July 26, 2013, Jesuit head football coach Wayde Keiser ’78 joined his counterpart at Pensacola High School — along with many of the Tiger alumni who played against the boys in blue and white — to promote the upcoming season’s game. Former Jesuit football coach Billy Murphy, who lives in Pensacola, was there to welcome his former player. Murphy coached the Blue Jays from 1975-1983.

Prior to this year’s game, a reception will be held for Jesuit and Pensacola players, coaches, band members, or cheerleaders who participated in the rivalry. The event in the Student Commons will be hosted by Jesuit’s office of institutional advancement.

The Blue Jays will scrimmage McDonogh #35 on Thursday, August 22 at 5 p.m. at Tad Gormley Stadium. On Thursday, August 29, the Jays will participate in the Bonnabel Jamboree by playing the Grace King Irish at 5:30 p.m. at Joe Yenni Stadium. The regular season for the Jays begins against the Ponchatoula Greenies on Friday, September 6 at Tad Gormley Stadium. Kickoff is at 7 p.m.