Storied rivalry stays at Raymond James

In order to beat the heat - and to clear out for USF - the game's day, time will change.

By Bryan Burns, Times Correspondent
Published July 14, 2007

TAMPA - For the third straight season, the renewed football rivalry between Blake and Middleton will take place at Raymond James Stadium.

But unlike last season, when the game was played in the sultry afternoon sun of late September, the Blake-Middleton contest will be moved to 7:30 p.m. in an effort to relieve some of the heat. Also, the game has been moved to Saturday, September 29, to accommodate USF's nationally-televised ESPN game against West Virginia that Friday night.

"Last year, with a number of elderly people in the stands and the game at 3 in the summertime, it just got to be too hot," Middleton coach Harry Hubbard said. "I think this is better for everybody."

As one of only two all-black schools in Tampa before integration, Blake and Middleton were heated rivals until court orders forced both high schools to close in 1971.

Blake reopened as a high school in 1997 and, after a 31-year hiatus, the series was renewed in 2002 when Middleton reopened.

The game was played at Chamberlain until 2005 when overcapacity attendance forced its relocation to a larger venue, giving local players the opportunity to play in an NFL stadium.

"Every time we get to play in Raymond James, it's a big deal for our players," Hubbard said.

Asked if he thinks Raymond James Stadium will become the permanent location of the game, Hubbard said: "I believe so. The fans enjoy it, the bands enjoy it, the players enjoy it and I think the community enjoys it."

Calls to Blake head coach Sean Washington seeking his thoughts on the venue and time change were not immediately returned.

Annual Blake-Middleton rivalry football game

When: Saturday, Sept. 29, 7:30 p.m.

Where: Raymond James Stadium

[Last modified July 14, 2007, 00:26:28]