We're here on a peace keeping mission, for the good of one and all. It's time to get the best high school football rivalry in the area in this generation back on the schedule.

Grant-Nevada Union is must-see entertainment. It can be done in 2010. It will elevate the area's prep profile even more, an early-season clash of championship programs that hail from decidedly different regions.

From Del Paso Heights, the Grant Pacers are hard-boiled and proud. The NU Miners are relentless wing-T masters from Grass Valley, where kids grow up dreaming of playing at Hooper Stadium.

Yes, the season is in full flow now, with NU a favorite to win the Sac-Joaquin Section Division I title and D-II Grant seeking a repeat showing. But it's never too early to plan.

A new decade, a fresh start to an old rivalry that has generated fantastic finishes and title tilts. And, yes, some tension between the coaches – Grant's Mike Alberghini and Dave Humphers of Nevada Union – has put this series on ice since their 2005 game.

It's time for a thaw. It's time for the coaches to come to terms and, as the players like to say, get it on.

There have been rumblings NU is avoiding Grant. Humphers insists that is false. I believe him. NU is one team that has fared nicely against the Pacers over the years. The Miners own a 16-15-1 lifetime advantage in the series. There is speculation Grant is dodging the Miners. Alberghini said that is ridiculous. He's right. Grant ducks no one.

Both coaches tell me they want to get the series back, but it requires conversation. There are logistics. NU prefers a home game in 2010, and so does Grant.

The Pacers are also working on deals with Pleasant Grove, Burbank and Folsom. Imagine the Bulldogs' all-junior skill set of this season going against the Pacers' all-junior defense next fall.

Grant could also be involved in a prep classic with teams from across the country in San Diego. There's not a lot of wiggle room.

At the moment, it's a standoff. Who budges first?

"It's a great rivalry that people really love," Humphers said.

Said Alberghini: "It can be (a contract for) two years, four years, eight … I don't care. It was a great game before, and it can be again. We talked about it last year. If Dave wants to call me, I'll talk."

Benavides out

Idaho State freshman wide receiver Andrew Benavides of Folsom remains in a Flagstaff, Ariz., hospital after he sustained an injury to his spinal cord in the third quarter of last Saturday's game at Northern Arizona.

The Benavides family this week wrote a letter of appreciation to Idaho State fans, reporting that "Andrew's recovery will take some time, however we are very fortunate to say we are anticipating a full recovery."

Moosh is loose

Steve Mooshagian returned to Sacramento a week ago. He led his Feather River College football team into Hughes Stadium and left with a 23-22 win over Sacramento City.

Today, it's another five-hour trek from Quincy for another Mid-Empire League game, at American River College. In his first year leading the Golden Eagles, the former Sacramento State coach basks in the daily view of the Plumas National Forest and an occasional bear.

Feather River (4-4, 1-1) and Mooshagian are basking in his head-coaching return, and he doesn't have near the burden of elevating a program as he did at Sac State.

"It's so much less stressful here, not that we don't want to win, because we do," Mooshagian said.

Hornets baseball

We're not suggesting Reggie Christiansen won't be a good replacement in place of the retiring baseball coach John Smith for Sac State, but how do the Hornets not explore some impressive candidates with local roots?

I am thinking of Matt Myers, the former player from El Camino High, Sac City and Sac State now heading the Western Kentucky program. Or Andy McKay, who has directed a championship program at Sac City. He is a Del Campo and SCC product.

Call The Bee's Joe Davidson, (916) 321-1280.