Michael Fair and Chris Cutcliffe have faced off a total nine times in their coaching careers. Most of their matchups have come in the annual Crosstown Classic, while coaching at Lafayette High School and Oxford High School, respectively.
Friday night’s matchup in Oxford will be the third game between the two veteran coaches since Fair’s arrival in Grenada back in 2023, and 10th overall. Both coaches agree that the game is good for both teams.
“Playing each other makes us both better,” Cutcliffe said. “You are playing a quality opponent, and it makes us good for the development of our younger guys. We play Grenada in 7th, 8th, 9th and junior varsity twice a year, so we know about each other. It’s an iron sharpens iron situation.”
Fair says it’s enjoyable to play against a Cutcliffe-coached team. It’s a chess match between highly successful football coaches, who have combined for a record of 216-109.
“It’s always fun to compete against Oxford because you know you will always get your best,” Fair said. “We have played against them ever since I got to Lafayette and now in Grenada. They know what we are trying to do, and we know what they are trying to do. The biggest difference each year is the players. You ask them to do what they are capable of doing. There were years at Lafayette that we couldn’t throw it, and we ran it right at them. We are a little different now, but we try to do some of the same things. To be honest, he is different because of his personnel. They are really skilled at receiver, and his quarterback is good in the run pass option. There are similarities for the last 9-10 years, but it is different each year because of personnel.”
Oxford is 3-1 following last week’s 20-13 loss to top-ranked Tupelo. The Chargers are led by junior quarterback Drew Dean, who is 66-of-111 for 912 yards and eight touchdowns to go with one interception. On the ground, he has rushed for 124 yards and two touchdowns.
“Dean is one of the better quarterbacks we will see all year,” Fair said. “He is very efficient, and his receivers are either going to catch it or drop it because he is putting it right there. You can’t lose sight that he is an opportunistic runner. Their quarterbacks are very well coached. They have a system and both their players and coaches believe in it.”
Senior receiver Kingston Gregory is leading the way with 25 catches for 325 yards and two touchdowns. On the ground, senior Jamarion Pegues is the leading rusher with 203 yards and one touchdown.
Defensively, Oxford is based out of a four-man front, which is the strength of the unit, according to Fair.
“They have 290- and 300-pound tackles that can move and have made the difference for them this season,” he said. “Their linebackers can run, and they have defensive backs that can play for anybody.”
Senior middle linebacker Zayvien Cristal is the leading tackler for the Class 7A Chargers with 40 stops.
Grenada is coming off a 21-12 win over Class 5A foe Cleveland Central last weekend in Cleveland. The Chargers will be playing with heavy hearts following the death of junior defensive back Ayden Reno earlier this week.
“It’s been a tough week,” Fair said. “Any coach that loses a player, or a player loses a teammate, it is difficult to process. The grieving process is unique, and everyone grieves different. We want to give our players time, spaces and resources to get them through. This district has been unbelievable with resources to help our players get through it. Our guys want to honor Ayden by getting back as normal as possible.”
Senior quarterback Brayden Trusty is 38-of-79 passing this season for 686 yards and seven touchdowns. His favorite target is classmate Zayion Cotton, who has 21 receptions for 357 yards and three touchdowns.
On the ground, junior Malik Taylor is the top rusher with 35 carries for 266 yards and three touchdowns. Sophomore Christian Ewing has 29 carries for 172 yards and two touchdowns.
Defensively, senior linebacker Jereon Reed is the team’s top tackler with 35 tackles followed by classmates, Ryan Spencer and Ty Edwards, who have 22 and 21 tackles, respectively.
Friday’s matchup will be the final game before Class 6A, Region 1 play begins on Oct. 10 with a trip to Center Hill. GHS has a bye week next Friday, Oct. 3.
“It’s our final dress rehearsal before we open region play,” Fair concluded. “This is a good game for us to help prepare for region play against a quality, well-coached team. We want to come out and compete and see how we fare.”
Kickoff is at 7 p.m.
