The 2007 version of the Backyard Brawl, which pits two NCAA Division III religiously affiliated schools, is being presented by the Community Animal Rescue & Adoption Center (CARA) – the largest NO-KILL animal shelter in the state of Mississippi.
CARA receives no money from the state or federal government and is supported entirely by donations from individuals and businesses. CARA currently houses over 300 animals at its Flagchapel Road location and has strict policy against euthanization.
“This is a wonderful event for increasing community awareness of our organization and a great opportunity to adopt out some very special animals” CARA’s executive director Jerri Bennett said. “We will have approximately 50 of our dogs on location at the game for the fans to meet.”
The 2007 matchup between the Majors and the Choctaws will be the seventh meeting since the rivalry was renewed in 2000 after a 40 year hiatus. This year’s meeting will take place on the MC campus in Clinton, marking the first time the Majors have ventured into Choctaw territory in over 50 years.
Led by second-year head coach and reigning SCAC Coach of the Year Mike DuBose, the Majors were defeated in last year’s Backyard Brawl 52-28 before rebounding to win the Southern Collegiate Athletic Conference and earning a berth in the NCAA Division III playoffs. Norman Joseph’s Mississippi College Choctaws finished the 2006 campaign 5-5 with a young, talented team. Both schools return a strong nucleus of players and are expected to compete for conference titles.
This year’s game will kickoff on Thursday, August 30, at 6:59 p.m. to boast the first game in the state of Mississippi for the 2007 season. Tickets for the game are on sale now at each participating college for $10. To purchase tickets from Millsaps, please call the athletic front desk at 601.974.1190.
