Benedict Tigers, Livingstone Blue Bears Ready To Meet In Palmetto Capital City Classic Rematch

Livingstone coach Daryl Williams, left, and Benedict coach Mike White

COLUMBIA, South Carolina – Benedict College and Livingstone College will play in a rematch of last year's Palmetto Capital City Classic on September 3 at Charlie W. Johnson Stadium, and both head football coaches are looking forward to getting the season started.

The 15th annual Palmetto Capital City Classic will once again feature a week-long schedule of activities leading up to the 5 p.m. kickoff on Sept. 3. Events kick off on Monday, Aug. 29, with the Sponsors Kick-Off Reception and PCCC Alumni Mixer. The Media and Sponsor Luncheon and crowning of Miss PCCC is scheduled for Tuesday, Aug. 30. Wednesday, Aug. 31, will feature the PCCC Battle of the Drumline Show, at a site to be determined. The annual PCCC Garnell McDonald Memorial Golf Tournament is scheduled for Friday at Oak Hills Golf Club. The Old School Funk Party is Friday night, with the announcement of the entertainment to come at a later date.

Saturday's pre-game festivities start at noon with the PCCC Alumni Old School Music Festival and Tailgate Party on the football practice field. The game kicks off at 5 p.m. with a special halftime show featuring the Benedict College Marching Tiger Band of Distinction and the Livingstone College Marching Blue Bear Band.

Livingstone won last year's contest 49-6, and Benedict coach Mike White still remembers how fast and physical the Blue Bears were, and expects nothing less from this year's squad.

"One of the best teams we faced last year was Livingstone," White said. "They have a high-powered offense and what a way to start off the year with a team that is that ready. They were impressive, offensively and defensively. We don't look for them to step back at all. We have to go up where they are. We'll be a better team and we've got a better group."

Livingstone coach Daryl Williams said the Blue Bears have to replace several key players from last year's squad that finished 5-4, including their quarterback and star wide receiver, but this year's team should be deeper. He said he expects a tougher game from Benedict this year knowing the history of coach White.

"We just pray you guys take pity on our little football team," Williams joked. "We've got to validate what we did last year. A lot of people don't believe we're a decent football team because we were down for so long. We just want to validate what we did last year."

Tickets for the PCCC game are available at the Benedict College athletic office, 2317 Laurel Street.

COURTESY BENEDICT COLLEGE SPORTS INFORMATION