By Thomas Grant Jr.
The Battle for the Bell is one of the oldest rivalries in South Carolina High School League football.
Since 1961, Chapin and Mid-Carolina have waged battle on the gridiron. In 2012, a bell symbolizing the one which was rung on the freight team traveling past Prosperity and Chapin was added as incentive for the winning team.
Last season saw an interruption of the annual matchup. Friday night at Cecil Woolbright Field, the Eagles and Rebels will renew their rivalry to close out the Chapin Kickoff Classic.
The 4-game scrimmage will open at 6 p.m. with Gray Collegiate facing defending Class 2A champion Clinton. At 6:45 p.m., Class 5A Division II runner-up Irmo faces Eastside.
Midland Valley versus Anderson College will take place at 7:30 p.m., followed by the Chapin/Mid-Carolina matchup at 8:15 p.m.
The Rebels are coming off a 5-6 season which was their most victories since 2014. The Eagles went 6-6 after a 4-0 start and advanced to the second round of the Class 5A Division II playoffs.
Photo by Thomas Grant Jr.
