Carson vs. Banningm -- once again, with feeling

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The Banning-Carson rivalry game always has meaning no matter where the teams are in the standings.

But Thursday’s season finale at Veterans Stadium in Long Beach has the added spice of the Marine League title being on the line. Banning (8-1, 3-1) is the last team that can derail Carson (7-2, 4-0) in league play. But if Carson wins, rest assured the Colts will expect a No. 2 seeding (or no worse than a No. 3) when the City playoff berths are decided upon next Saturday.

Emotions will run high at the game, but Banning Coach Chris Ferragamo said the rivalry is not one of hate and loathing.

‘Our rivalry with Carson is different than San Pedro,’ said Ferragamo after the Pilots defeated the Pirates, 28-21, in four overtimes on Friday. ‘It’s a friendly thing, not a grudge thing. The coaches and players like each other. It will be a hard-hitting game, but afterward we will all hug, sing and pray together.’

-- Mike Terry

-- Image from theepidemic.net/