Part 1 in a 2-part series on the much-anticipated Leeds-Moody matchup, Friday, October 14.
By Will Heath
Special to the Tribune
LEEDS — No one is more synonymous in the Leeds and Moody communities than Bill Morris.
A 1977 graduate of Leeds High School, Morris still serves as General Manager of the Leeds Water Works Board. He’s arguably more of a fixture in Moody, where he served as mayor from 1992 until 2003. His name is emblazoned on Moody High School’s home stadium (“The Bill” for short).
“Pretty much the best of both worlds,” Morris said.
It is on the field that bears Morris’ name that the AHSAA’s Game of the Year is taking place this week, when 2nd-ranked Leeds (7-0, 4-0) crosses the bridge to face 3rd-ranked Moody (8-0, 4-0).
“Who would’ve ever thought?” Morris said. “It’s exciting for everybody.”
The matchup is easily the biggest in the history of the relatively brief series, which the Green Wave leads 12-2 all-time. The two teams did not play from 2011-2020 when they became regional foes.
This season’s version, in the words of Leeds’ Eddie Moore, is highly anticipated.
“We’ve been scheduled for a head-on collision since the first kickoff of the first game,” said Moore, a longtime Leeds resident. “They’ve both handled their competition. So we’ve got a head-on collision about to happen.”
Those scheduled to participate in that head-on collision share in the anticipation.
“That’s our neighbor,” said Leeds head coach Jerry Hood. “They’ve got a great community. Great school.
“I can’t wait to see the pregame show I’ve been hearing about. The bus ride and all that stuff, I can’t wait to see it. We’re excited to go over there, and just do the best we can.”
Hood’s Green Wave has relied on its rock-solid defense, which has not allowed more than 13 points in any game this season. That defense will be tested by a Blue Devil team that averages 49 points and over 400 yards per game.
“It’s (Moody) a good team,” said Leeds senior CJ Douglas. “Talented offense. Weapons all over the field. They stretch vertically and horizontally. They got stars all over the field. We’ve just got to bring our A game against them.”
When the Green Wave has the ball, the focus will be on the running game and the arm of senior quarterback Jarod Latta. Latta posted 139 all-purpose yards in a 33-19 victory over the Blue Devils in 2021.
“It’s a little different,” he said. “Last year this game was built up, but it’s a little different this year because it is my last year and they are a better team than last year. I think it’ll be a really good game. It’ll be fun.”
Regardless of affiliation, the hype surrounding the game is a positive for both communities.
“The Moody game last year was a big game,” Hood said. “It was the biggest crowd we’ve ever had at Leeds. This continues that. That’s got to be good for football on this side of town. We’re just proud to be a part of it.”
Moore agreed.
“We’ve got a lot of great kids on both teams, and I really hate for either one of them to have to lose,” he said. “May the best team win, and I hope it’s Leeds.”
Morris said he’ll be cheering for Moody, but anticipates an electric atmosphere.
“I’ll let you know Saturday morning,” he said.
Kickoff is at 7 p.m.