In 2009, Cathedral lost two games. They were the kind that aren’t easily forgotten.

Both losses came in the playoffs to hated rival St. Aloysius. Watching the Flashes celebrate a state championship three weeks later only added to the pain.

This season, the teams were once again on a collision course. With most of last year’s starters back for both teams, it seemed inevitable there would be a rematch. And now, after three months of games and a year of waiting, it’s here. St. Al (18-7) and Cathedral (19-5) hook up for round two, with a berth in the Class 1A finals on the line. The best-of-three South State championship series begins today in Natchez.

“This is why you play and coach. If you’re a fan of baseball I don’t see how you can miss these games,” St. Al coach Clint Wilkerson said. “It’s not just a rivalry. It’s for a championship.”