This rivalry goes way back for many Seminoles and Gators. They know each other, and they know what this game means.
By BRIAN LANDMAN
Published November 28, 2003
TALLAHASSEE - Florida State tailback Leon Washington doesn't remember the hit, but he hasn't forgotten the smack.
During one of Washington's runs in last year's game against the Florida Gators, linebacker Bam Hardmon tackled him and, while still on top of him in a heap, took great joy in reminding him from what part of Jacksonville he hailed.
"West side, fool. West side, fool," he said.
Washington is from the East side of that city.
"I'm like, "Man. Get off of me,' " Washington countered defiantly.
Their exchange, as well as a few others between Washington and other Gators from Jacksonville, including running back Ciatrick Fason, safety Guss Scott and wide receiver Reggie Lewis, captures the essence of the FSU-UF rivalry and provides it a human face.
Even if the annual showdown lacks national championship implications, as is the case when the teams meet Saturday in Gainesville, the intensity is feverish, stoked by a large number of players who either went to the same high school or competed against each other, were recruited by both FSU and UF and still hang out together during the summer.
Trust us. At those times, this game will be mentioned.
Trust us. At those times, you don't want to be on the losing side.
"You know you want to beat that person because whoever wins will have bragging rights," Fason said. "That's such an important factor in this game."
Washington isn't much of a trash-talker, but his body language probably was deafening to his hometown pals-turned-Gators after FSU's 31-14 win last season.
"I saw them, but I didn't brag," he said with a broadening smile. "It is good you can walk around with a little swagger (that says), "Hey. I beat you all.' "
* * *
For guys like Washington and Fason, both true sophomores, Saturday's game is just the continuation of their high school rivalry.
Fason burst into prominence as a sophomore at Fletcher High, rushing for more than 2,000 yards. He committed to the Gators on signing day in 2001, six months before his senior season and without visiting another school. That includes FSU, where he participated in two camps.
He again surpassed 2,000 yards in his final prep season and scored 23 touchdowns to finish with 7,479 yards - the most in Jacksonville history and fifth highest in the state - and 96 touchdowns.
"He was the man in Jacksonville," Washington said.
Fason had fast company, however.
Washington, who grew up a Gator fan, gained 2,437 yards and scored 28 touchdowns as a senior at Andrew Jackson High. As a cornerback, he added 88 tackles and three interceptions to win the state's Mr. Football award. He also led his team to wins against Fason's team as both a junior, scoring four touchdowns, and a senior, helping hold his rival to 7 yards rushing in the second half.
"It ain't no hate between us two," Fason said. "We just go out and play the game of football."
* * *
Though Washington and Fason don't talk about their high school meetings, everybody else in Jacksonville does.
Washington's grandmother, Eleanor Mangram, is an acute care provider at St. Vincent's Medical Center in Jacksonville. Many of her co-workers are die-hard UF fans.
"Before last year's game, we all dressed up in our colors and talked about who was going to win and what's what," she said. "After the game, you couldn't get the Gators to talk. It was my time."
Her grandson rushed for 134 yards on 26 carries and scored a touchdown in the Seminoles' win.
"They love him," she said of her co-workers. "He's got all kind of aunties and cousins at St. Vincent's. When he comes home he goes up there to see them and they all look forward to seeing him. They give him his due. We do talk, but we love each other; we're all still friends. We just can't get along right now."
For the briefest of moments in last year's game, Washington nearly succumbed to his instincts. He was downfield looking for someone, anyone, to block and there, in perfect position, stood an unsuspecting Scott.
"I could have cracked him," Washington said. "But I didn't. I like Guss. I told him (later), "You know I could have had you?' "
Scott, a former star at Trinity Christian, didn't have to answer.
"That's what it's about. You're friends off the field, but you really don't talk at all on the field," he said. "This is a hated rivalry game and something you get up (for). You see these people all the time when you go back home; you know there's going to be talking, especially from whoever wins."
"I don't want to hype that up," Washington said, "but yeah, I want to beat them. I want to beat them throughout my career."
West side, fool?
Try East side, fool.
- Times staff writer Antonya English contributed to this report.
