Football classic promises food, fun

For a few hours this afternoon, Rocky Mount becomes a college football town, and if the past 13 years are any indication, the city will show that its pretty good at its once-a-year shot of being in the forefront.

The Down East Viking Football Classic will bring its sights, sounds and smells to the Rocky Mount Sports Complex once again with todays 4 p.m. matchup between Livingstone College and the home-away-from-home squad, Elizabeth City State.

The competition likely will start early this morning, and it will have little to do with rushing yards and Xs and Os.

The grillmasters will take to the parking lot, filling the air around U.S. Business 301 with the aromas of seasoned meats and side dishes.

There might be as much talk about whose grill did the most talking, the best sounding band and the best performing dance team as there is about who actually will win on the field.

It comes with the territory of the Classic, which always is as much about catching up with friends and family as it is about football.

Both teams enter the game winless. Neither wants to stay in that predicament for long, especially Elizabeth City State, which is the preseason pick to win the CIAAs North Division.

The Vikings will have to defeat a Livingstone team that is coached by Elizabeth City State alumnus Elvin James, whose has a relationship with his alma mater that resembles the atmosphere surrounding the Classic.

Theres no love lost, but when we get to this game, its strictly business, Vikings coach Waverly Tillar. After the game, we will shake hands and be friends.