Crunching cousins: Southside Academy linebackers and big-hitting cousins Kevin Bowie and A.J. Cox have been competitive since their preschool days.

Byline: Lem Satterfield

Oct. 4--Southside Academy linebackers Kevin Bowie and A.J. Cox were separated by only a few feet during a recent practice as they recounted a fierce rivalry that has existed for as long as they can remember.

"I remember when Alvin was turning 3 years old -- yes, I call him Alvin even though he doesn't like it -- and he started crying because his mother put his hand in the birthday cake," said Bowie, who smiled as looked at his first cousin. "That's the first time I realized he was a little wimp like that."

Cox chuckled but didn't say a word. Instead, he listened as Bowie told yet another story -- this one involving the boys as 5-year-olds playing outside. When Cox split his pants, Bowie laughed and teased him, leading to a fistfight.

"A.J. was lucky his mother sent me home," said Bowie, 18. "Or else I might have hurt him."

"He's telling the truth -- I was a little wimp -- that is, until I…