By Junious Smith III

Two of the best 8-man football teams in the state are 4.6 miles apart and haven’t played since 2017.

Bethel Christian brought its varsity program back after 36 years in 2016 and like most teams getting back to it, there were humble beginnings. The Trojans lost their first three games by a combined 84 points, but turned a corner on Sept. 8 on the road. Behind 327 yards rushing and three touchdowns from Javon Edwards, Bethel Christian won its first game since being reinstated and didn’t lose again on the way to the NCISAA 1A state title.

The victory? A 54-46 win over the NCISAA 2A champions: Arendell Parrott.

The hype was ridiculous on Aug. 17, 2017: a matchup touted as the battle of state champions. The attendance was amazing from both sides and the Trojans were on the way to another win after taking a 22-12 halftime lead. From there, APA made adjustments and outscored Bethel Christian 30-0 on the way to victory — and that’s the last time the local teams have played.

From one vantage point, I understand why. As the Patriots and Trojans are under different classifications, it can be a little tough. Not only that, Bethel Christian lost Edwards to Greene Central and linebacker Sincere McDonald to Kinston after the game and the team finished 1-8. Bethel Christian needed to build itself up and had a nice season in 2018, nearly upending the eventual NCISAA 1A champion in Northeast-Hobgood Academy on a rainy night in Lasker. It was a little weird the teams didn’t play each other this year, but my guess was the Trojans wanted to ensure they could play at a stronger level.

Now? There’s no question.

Arendell Parrott is the hottest team in the state, winning six straight heading into a season finale against Rocky Mount Academy. Although Bethel Christian is 4-3, the Trojans did lose several vital players due to suspension and now has everyone back from a team that absolutely dominated in the first three weeks.  One loss was a forfeit from the fight and the other two were shorthanded to a great Halifax Academy squad. Both teams should be favored to win championships in their respective divisions.

Then, we should get another battle of state champions.

The teams are on relatively level ground again as Bethel Christian has its resurgence. In a dream scenario, this game could happen the week after the playoffs conclude. It could be played at a neutral location like Kinston High School and proceeds can go to the Lenoir-Greene United Way. Just like that, an organization that works tirelessly to improve the community will receive thousands from a game which would provide plenty of excitement across the area.

Of course, it’s going to be tough to sell if either team isn’t able to get the championship win, but still. For 2020 and beyond, why can’t this be the season opener for both teams? The Patriots went out and played a pair of 11-man games and the Trojans have faced two opponents twice in the regular season (and it would’ve been a third had Wilson Community Christian was able to play Oct. 4). Give the people what they want in the future.

Arendell Parrott vs. Bethel Christian needs to happen—if we can’t get it in a few weeks as champions, let it happen as city rivals. When you think about it, 4.6 miles is a cross-country practice — let’s get a game going.

And while we’re at it, we need APA-Bethel Christian in other sports too. May the powers that be make it happen.