‘Old Settlement’ Series Returns This Friday
By ERIC X. VICCARO
Ste. Genevieve Herald
Welcome to “Old Settlement Showdown” week.
No, we’re not talking about a festival in downtown Ste. Genevieve.
Rather, this is the crosstown rivalry series between Ste. Genevieve and Valle Catholic — one of the last intercity battles remaining in the state of Missouri.
This year, Ste. Genevieve (0-1) and Valle Catholic (1-0) square off at Father Dempsey Field. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m.
The game will be broadcast on Ste. Genevieve’s YouTube Channel called SGDragonTV. It also will air on Spectrum Channel 991 and Classic Rock 93.1 FM KBDZ.
“This rivarly is special because most of these kids know each other, and are friends off the field,” Valle Catholic head football coach/athletic director Judd Naeger said.
“We are all one community,” Naeger continued, “and most of the time this game is great for everyone, especially the players.”
CROWD CONTROL
Crowd control in reference to the COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic has been addressed.
Naeger reported on Monday afternoon each school will be given 500 tickets, and Valle and Ste. Genevieve can choose on their own how vouchers will be distributed.
Valle sent out tickets to stakeholders by Tuesday afternoon, Naeger reported.
Naeger said masks will be required at entry, the concession stand and in the restrooms. People are urged to exercise social distancing. Sit with your family at all times.
“Valle fans, please stick to our sideline and bleachers,” Naeger urged. “Allow Ste. Genevieve fans to have their sideline and their end zone due to less seating on their side.”
SHOWDOWN SERIES
Valle Catholic has had the upper hand in the series in recent years, winning six of the past seven games — save for the 2018 defensive showcase the Dragons claimed, 7-6.
Overall, the Warriors have a 30-26 edge in the intense, longtime series.
“The schools are in close proximity, and (a win) it’s bragging rights,” said Ste. Genevieve head coach Ken Weik.
Coach Weik said the game means more because the players are so close. It’s like having a scrimmage against an older or younger sibling.
Even though Ste. Genevieve had a rough-opening week loss to Festus last Friday, Naeger said the Dragons will provide the Warriors a stern test.
“Ste. Genevieve has a lot of weapons,” Naeger said, “and a young line that will continue to improve greatly. They run a spread offense, and in week one, had a 3-4 attacking defense that played well most of the night.”
Weik was equally complimentary of the Warriors’ offense and defense.
“They run multiple offenses,” Weik said. “They have a lot going for them. They have smart kids that practice a lot. They practice for an extra month every year. Everything they do, they do it well.”
