TAMPA — Matt Thompson knows a thing or two about big games.
There's been jam-packed playoff games at Dad's Stadium against Plant. A sold-out, nationally-televised matchup vs. Bishop Gorman in Las Vegas. Three state titles and two more finals appearances. Wins in some of the toughest parts of Miami.
But none of that compares to what Thompson got his first taste of last year.
"It was something I've never experienced in a high school game," he said. "Last year was something else."
Thompson, the architect of Armwood's perennially ferocious defense for a decade, took over as Jesuit's head coach prior to last season. And he was quickly indoctrinated into the rivalry that is Tampa Catholic-Jesuit, one which will be renewed again Friday at the Crusaders' field.
"I don't know what it is about the Catholics," Thompson said. "They really get it going."
But what has widely been considered the county's most intense all-sport private school rivalry, largely due to the schools' rich tradition and rabid fan bases, has been far from it this century on the football field. Jesuit (5-4) has defeated Tampa Catholic (3-6) 14 consecutive times dating to 2000.
Another aspect of this matchup is the timing — the schools square off in the season's final week prior to the postseason. This year, however, only Jesuit will be advancing to the playoffs.
"I just tell the kids that it means nothing in the grand scheme of things for the season, but it means everything at the same time," Thompson said. "But for TC, this is the last game of the year. So it means everything (to them)."
Despite the streak, Thompson is quick to dismiss the past.
"Forget about records," he said. "You can throw them out the window in this one."
Sophomore tailback Malik Davis said he's learned on the fly what this rivalry means.
"When I first came to Jesuit, I didn't understand how deep the whole thing was," he said. "But from last season, I could see how important it was to my teammates. We're ready for (Friday)."
And expect Davis to play a main role in Friday's outcome. The 5-foot-10, 185-pounder has struggled with high left ankle sprain for the better part of the season's second half.
"I've felt better each week," Davis said. "I'm getting close to 100 percent."
Despite missing a pair of games, Davis has run for more than 1,100 yards and is the focal point of the Tigers' attack.
"A description of Malik is 'explosive,' " Thompson said. "Some would call him a slasher, but he can lower his head, too. And when the kid sees the hole, he's 0 to 60 in .4 seconds."