PONTOTOC, Miss. (WTVA) — In preparation for the 2012 college football season, Pontotoc is hosting an event that will help kick off the season and help bolster an in-state rivalry.
The first ever Rebel/Bulldog BBQ Challenge will take place on August 18 on the courthouse square downtown.
Contestants will enter looking to represent Ole Miss and Mississippi State with trophies going to the best in ribs, chicken — anything but pork and vegetables on the grill.
"Well, representing our school, we got a lot of Left Field Lounge experience," says contestant Terry Donaldson, who was referring to the popular hangout during Mississippi State baseball games. "My friends are cooking at the Lounge [and will] come up and represent and hopefully have a good competition and a lot of fun."
"Since the last football season, a lot of Rebels have had a bad taste in their mouth and will start the year off with a good taste of food," adds Mayor Jeff Stafford. "We're very optimistic with a new coach. We're undefeated, and we're going out like winners anyway."
The cooking will start at noon, and contestants must cook on site and supply the meat.
There's even a contest to see who has the best tailgate tent.
Judging will get underway at 4 p.m. that day.
