AL Brown, Concord coaches invited to "Rivalry Dinner" Sunday

Next Friday, Aug. 23, one of the Carolinas' top rivalries renews when A.L. Brown plays Concord. The teams began playing in 1930 and have played every year since. In 1950, Southern Railway donated a bell from one of its trains that's become the rivalry's focal point.

The winner gets to keep the bell for a year.

Usually Brown and Concord play late in the year but with Brown moving to 4A -- Concord is 3A -- and the teams no longer in the same conference, the game is being played to start the season instead of finish it.

The game is also being played before school starts, and to help build interest, former Concord coach E.Z. Smith, current Concord coach Glen Padgett and Brown coach Mike Newsome had a great idea.

They're inviting all former head coaches from both schools to attend a dinner at Troutman's BBQ at Highway 601 South and Highway 49 in Concord to talk about the rivalry and enjoy an $8 plate. The dinner starts at 6. "Open mic" starts at 7.

The organizers say they'll be plenty of discussion and question and answer sessions about the rivalry. The public is invited .

A.L. Brown Coaches already invited are: Roy Boyles, Bill Watts, Bob Boswell, Bruce Hardin, Ron Massey and current Head Coach Mike Newsome and his assistant coaches.|

Concord coaches invited are: Richard Thompson, Sonny Pruette, Gerald Cook, W.A. Cline, E.Z. Smith and current Head Coach Glen Padgett and his assistant coaches.

Should be a fun night.