When Bloomingdale became too big for its student body, Durant opened in 1995 to bring relief. Parents fought to keep their kids at Bloomingdale.

When Durant became too big for its student body, Newsome opened in 2002 to bring relief. Parents at Durant fought to keep their kids at Durant.

Lesson learned: As time goes by, allegiances thicken for the home school and past battles are long forgotten — except on the sports field.

That's why it's an exciting time in the Greater Brandon area for prep sports enthusiasts, with the second round of the 2012 Florida High School Athletic Association (FHSAA) football playoffs featuring a crosstown-rivalry face-off between the Durant Cougars and the Newsome Wolves.  

The Cougars, in their first-ever perfect season, beat the Wolves earlier this year, 38-28, on Oct. 18. Durant enters the regional semifinals with a 34-7 win Nov. 16 against the Tampa Bay Tech Titans.

That same night, the Wolves advanced to the second round of playoffs with a 52-7 win against the Gaither Cowboys.

So, who will it be Nov. 23? Take the poll: Are you cheering for the Cougars, or for the Wolves?

Then, let us know in the comment box below why you think Durant has the upper hand — or why Newsome will charge in with an upset.