Judge’s Cup, high playoff seed on the line in tonight’s game

So much is on the line when Greenbrier and Vilonia lock up tonight for the battle of the annual Faulkner County Judge’s Cup.

Not only is bragging rights at stake for these two county rivals, but a high playoff seed. Greenbrier can get a No. 2 playoff seed and a home playoff game with a win and an Alma loss to Greenwood this week, but a loss by the Panthers can send them to the fourth playoff position. On the other hand, Vilonia can get as high as a No. 3 seed with a win. With a loss, the Eagles will have to settle for a No. 4 seed out of the West. In conclusion, the battle for the Judge’s Cup hasn’t meant as more as it does now as both teams are in position to go to the state playoffs, since joining the West. 

“We were picked to be last in the conference. There hasn’t been any hype around here and that’s the way we like it,” Vilonia coach Jim Stanley said. “We’re just gonna come out and play hard because that’s how we play. We want to get that win. What has really made this year great is that we haven’t had any injuries. The same team that was able to start the first game is starting the 10th game.”

It appears that the Panthers will be making their first playoff appearance since 1995, after posting their best 5A-West Conference in school history with a win or a loss. Greenbrier has never finished over .500 since joining the West in 1996.

“This is a huge football game,” Greenbrier coach Randy Tribble said. “I’ve haven’t been to a Greenbrier-Vilonia game in Vilonia, but I expect to have a lot of support from the school and the community on the visitor’s side. It’s going to be a great atmosphere for a high school football game.”

Vilonia, unlike the Panthers, has had recent success in the playoffs. The Eagles upset two No. 1 teams, Blytheville and West Helena, on their way to the state semifinals in 1997. Michael Dyer and the Little Rock Christian Warriors turned Vilonia away in that contest.

“The kids try hard and they don’t give up,” Stanley said. “That’s a really big thing. These kids have to overcome a lot. I’ve really had fun this year. Coach Buckner has done a tremendous job with all of the coaches.”