Ripped from the 1954 yearbook, the varsity football team stands tall.

Jesuit vs. Pensacola

The Renewal of a Classic Rivalry

Friday, September 27, 2013

Pre-game Reception: 4:30-6:15 PM
Student Commons at Jesuit High School

Kickoff: 7 PM
Tad Gormley Stadium

Jesuit vs. Pensacola. Louisiana vs. Florida. One great football program vs. another. From 1946 to 1966, the Jesuit Blue Jays and the Pensacola Tigers met each fall on the football field in what became a fierce interstate rivalry. It was the kind of series, full of drama and great moments, that engendered great memories for all involved – the players, the band, the cheerleaders, and, of course, the fans.

Now nearly half a century later, the Blue Jays and the Tigers are about to renew their classic rivalry. And the retelling of stories has already begun. Some Jesuit alumni recall the final seconds of the 1953 game in Pensacola in which two minutes miraculously became two seconds. Others remember the ugly scene of a near riot when fans stormed the field before the final whistle in the 1960 contest. And certainly all Blue Jays like to remind their Florida friends of Jesuit’s 12-6 record in the series.

Pre-game Reception | Student Commons – Jesuit High School | 4:30 – 6:15 p.m.

Before this year’s contest, those Blue Jays of Jesuit High and Tigers of Pensacola High who participated in the games of 1946-1966 are invited to a pre-game reception in the Student Commons on Jesuit’s campus. From 4:30 p.m. to 6:15 p.m., complimentary pulled pork sandwiches, baked beans, macaroni and cheese, beverages, and a huddle full of great memories will be available for all.

For more information, contact Mat Grau, Jesuit’s alumni director, at (504) 483-3840 or grau@jesuitnola.org.