Troy family divided when it comes to big football rivalry

There is an idea that children born in the state of Alabama must choose a side the day they are born. Jeremy and Mandi Davis are still trying to win a battle over daughter Paisley’s allegiance.

Jeremy, youth minister at Hephzibah Baptist Church, is tried-and-true in the orange and blue of the Auburn Tigers, while Mandi, a teacher at Holly Hill Elementary in Enterprise, is a diehard supporter of the Alabama Crimson Tide.

“I think she will wind up being an Alabama fan,” said Mandi with a sly grin. “Both of her paw-paws are Alabama fans and she looks a lot better in crimson and houndstooth.

Jeremy disagrees with his wife, saying that Paisley will grow up a daddy’s girl.

“There is no doubt that she will pick whatever team her daddy tells her,” Jeremy said with a laugh. “I have more influence.”

Jeremy said that Paisley went with him to work for a few weeks after Mandi returned to school, and she was always happiest when she wore her Auburn attire.

The couple have been together through good times and bad for both teams, but agreed that they try not to heckle each other too badly. Auburn captured the national title following the 2010 season, but not much since.

“Since 2010, things have been a little rough for us [Auburn],” said Jeremy. “I kind of expected to be down last season, but this one caught me off guard. Wish we could win them all.”

The Crimson Tide has had a more favorable recent history, winning two of the last three national championships and is in contention for another currently.

Mandi said she tries to be a good sport about it.

“I want to, but I don’t rub it in his face,” said Mandi. “We know that both teams will have ups and downs.”

Jeremy said that when he and Mandi first started dating, the only drawback he found was her favorite college football team.

“It truly was the only negative I saw,” said Jeremy. “We each thought we could convert one another and it hasn’t happened yet.”

The family plans to watch the 2012 Iron Bowl together, along with the majority of their family. The couple said they haven’t yet decided on the outfit for young Paisley.

“I’m sure Mandi will have her in some Alabama something,” said Jeremy. “But that may change sometime throughout the day.”

Though they want their favorite team to win, the couple agreed that the most important moment of the day was being able to enjoy football and family in a loving environment.