In the heart of the Bible belt, only one thing could drive folks to set aside the good Lord's commandment to love thy neighbor—one of the state's longest and most combative high-school football rivalries. Located about 25 miles west of Chattanooga, hard by the Alabama state line and in an area with more pride than prosperity, the level of football achievement at Marion County and South Pittsburg—separated by just eight miles—has fueled the rivalry's intensity for nearly a century.

South Pittsburg is the only school in the state that has played for a state championship in all six decades that Tennessee has held a playoff system, while Marion County once reeled off a streak of 56–1 that included four state titles in five years.

The proximity and pride of the communities is what energizes the atmosphere of the games. Familiarity truly does breed contempt across Eight Hateful Miles.

Stephen Hargis

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