Does the Bettendorf/Assumption rivalry......

[LukeFeddersen]

Does the Bettendorf/Assumption rivalry mean more, less, or the same now that they are not in the same conference?

 

[cruhawk]

Originally posted by LukeFeddersen:
Does the Bettendorf/Assumption rivalry mean more, less, or the same now that they are not in the same conference?

Look at the SC East/SC Heelan rivalry. It was gone (supposedly forever) in 2005 when Heelan was to begin a 3A schedule in 2006. But in 2010, that all changed when the rules changed, and the rivalry resumed. Can't say the game draws 10,000 people like it did back when both teams were equally competitive, but that isn't because of Heelan's 3A status. The game began to lose significance long before that happened...and it's because of two things: the breakup of the old SIC, and Heelan's dominance of the series in the last 20 or so years. Before that, both programs were perennially in the 4A top ten and were perennially favored--along with Sioux Falls O'Gorman--to vie for the SIC title. For awhile there, the winner of the regular season game (usually played on the second weekend of the season, after Heelan opened with WDM Dowling) would lose the almost guaranteed opening-round playoff rematch.

If Bettendorf & Assumption's programs both stay strong regardless of their enrollment classifications or district affiliations, the rivalry shouldn't lose intensity.

 

[J_In_Iowa]

I see it as an exhibition game now. In the past, it usually determined who won the MAC. Now, it is for bragging rights and nothing else.