By Ross Johnson

Sports Writer

Bubba Jeter remembers it perfectly.

It was 1996, and Jeter was Troup High’s defensive coordinator.

The Tigers were clinging to a 14-9 lead against arch rival Shaw, and a fourth-down stop halted a late drive by the Raiders.

It was the last time Troup defeated Shaw.

It’s been 13 long years for the Tigers since they’ve tasted victory over the Raiders, and Jeter, who is now Troup’s head coach, has been there every step of the way.

That’s why today’s game at Kinnett Stadium in Columbus has extra bearing for everyone wearing blue and gold.

“They’ve been a thorn in our side, but I’m ready to pluck it out about now,” Jeter said.

In the Tigers’ last win in the series, Jeter remembers Dandreka Griggs, who scooped a Shaw fumble and returned it for the deciding touchdown.

Shaw’s failed fourth-down conversion was just a few inches short of the marker, and if the Raiders had gotten it, the streak could be even longer.

But that’s in the past, and this year’s edition of the rivalry has its own flavor.

“A lot of these kids don’t know who Dandreka Griggs is,” Jeter said. “The seniors, they know they’ve lost the last three years. They’re focused and ready to go after it.”

Those Troup seniors, including quarterback and defensive back Jaquante Holloway, were just 5 years old when Griggs rumbled for that game-winning touchdown.

Troup’s underclassmen were even younger.

“It’s like the Troup and LaGrange game to me,” Holloway said. “We haven’t beaten them in more than a decade. It’s a big game (tonight). If we come out on top, it’s going to be a good feeling.”

Shaw has had an up-and-down 2009 campaign, to say the least.

The Raiders (1-7) lost their first six games, including a 20-17 loss to Northside which prompted head coach Scott Newman’s resignation.

Jamie Fox has since taken over for the program, and Jeter has seen improvement in all areas the past two games.

In last week’s 41-0 loss to Region 2-AAA-leading Carver, the Raiders were trailing just 13-0 heading into the final quarter of play.

Of course, the powerful Tigers were able to pull away for an easy victory, but Jeter, who scouted that game, came away impressed with Shaw.

“I’ve talked to (Fox). They’ve made some changes and moved some kids around,” Jeter said. “I think they’ve improved defensively. I thought Carver would beat them early and often, but they held with them.”

The Raiders’ 1-7 record is also misleading. Shaw faced four “awesome” non-region teams, according to Jeter, and also dropped games to LaGrange (6-1) and Carver (6-1).

“The only team that they should have beaten on paper was Northside,” Jeter said.

Troup players are aware of the streak, and are also aware that tonight could be the best chance for the Tigers to end it.

Holloway knows it’s going to come down to which team wants it more.

“Any given night any team can be beaten,” Holloway said. “They’re going to come out and play hard, and we are too. The team that comes out and plays the hardest it going to win. Hopefully, it will be us.”

Added Jeter: “It’s a big game because it’s the next one. I know more than anybody how many times they’ve beaten us. I think they’re ready to go in there and win.”