A rivalry to celebrate

There's only one place to be tonight in St. Charles and that's Norris Stadium.

Take two highly regarded teams that are familiar with each other's teams and players.

Now toss in the fact that the games have been competitively balanced over the years with St. Charles East owning a 4-3 advantage.

Also, give significant consideration to the fact that one team can finish conference undefeated, while the other could secure a playoff berth and give itself a chance at a tie for a conference championship.

Now consider the geographic proximity of the two schools, the fact that many of the opposing players know each other fairly well, the huge buzz radiating in the community and you'll realize that an excellent, good-natured rivalry has arrived once again.

Are you ready for the 2007 edition of St. Charles North vs. St. Charles East?

The St. Charles East defense certainly is geared up for this one. In fact, the Saints defense has been ready all season long. They have shut out two opponents and given up 14 or less points in 5 of 7 games -- and that doesn't include the 19 points they allowed once last week's game against South Elgin had been decided.

The North Stars have relied heavily on the run with multiple their wingbacks, and senior Nic Higgins has been on a rampage lately. He rushed for a season-best 195 yards and 3 touchdowns in last week's victory over Larkin. He leads the North Stars in rushes (55 yards), rushing (459) and rushing touchdowns (6). He'll need another strong effort tonight.

"I couldn't be more happy for Nic with these games he's been having," North Stars coach Mark Gould said. "He is such a strong-willed person, a quiet leader and he just works hard and keep plugging. People watch and what he does isn't fancy, but he gets the job done and has earned the respect of everyone on the team."

Kyle Harmon (48 carries, 352 yards, 2 touchdowns) and Colton Hinrichs (31-140-1) are also key for the North Stars while quarterback Nic Neari tries to give the offense some balance by throwing to Higgins (15 receptions, 259 yards, 3 touchdowns) and the team's leading receiver, Tim Ohlrich (17-287-2).

Neari hasn't been as successful running the ball as former quarterback Jeff Pechan was last year, but he's only thrown 4 interceptions while completing 67 of 135 passes for 857 yards and 7 touchdowns. The North Stars will look for a balanced attack tonight against the formidable Saints defense.

"They definitely can run the ball very well and they win when they move the ball with a good power offense driving the ball downfield," St. Charles East coach Ted Monken said. "When they beat Larkin they kept (Larkin's) offense off the field as long as possible, were able to eat the clock, keep the scoring reasonable and played solid defensively. So, we have to be on our toes and be able to stop the run."

Defensive tackles Dave Mashal and Nick Fattes and the rest of the Saints continue to help lead the team's very stingy defense.

St. Charles East (6-1, 5-0) continues to get great output from Wes Allen and his consistent contributions. Allen is averaging just fewer than 20 carries a ballgame and leads the team in rushes (138), rushing yards (775) and rushing touchdowns (10). The running game has maintained a nice balance with Chris Caci (47 rushes, 314 yards, 4 touchdowns) along with the development of first-year starting quarterback Sam Gunther (90 of 157, 942 yards, 6 interceptions, 9 touchdown passes) and leading receiver Matt Hammer (44 catches, 490 yards).

"It's tough coming back two years in a row with a first-year quarterback, but Sam Gunther has made improvements in just one year," Monken said. "We're pleased with the progress and the points being put on the scoreboard. We know if we take care of the ball and make sure we're still in the game in the fourth quarter then we've got a chance to win a lot of football games."

And they've won a lot this season, including 5 games in a row.

St. Charles North (4-3, 3-1) saw its defense put forth an extraordinary effort to stop the high-powered Larkin offense last week and they'll need a similar effort against the Saints.

"Those guys had a heck of night holding Larkin (last week)," Monken said. "We've got to come out ready to play and block our tails off."

Like last year, Gould expects field position to be a huge factor so moving the ball against the Saints will be imperative.

"I think it becomes more of a game like last year where it was a game of field position," he said. "We can't go three and out and start losing the battle of field position. East plays fantastic team defense and I believe their coach said they run to the ball as quick as he's seen and I don't disagree. They play very disciplined, good team defense with a lot of enthusiasm. It shows in person and on film and it's not going to be easy."

Regardless of the outcome, those who are fortunate to be at Norris Stadium will get a treat in regard to seeing two of top dogs in the Upstate Eight Conference battle. And while the players, coaches and administration feel a cross-town rivalry, it might be felt most strongly by the students and other fans.

Fortunately, this young rivalry remains a friendly one. A win tonight would be enormous for both schools.

"We still only have the one conference loss so we've created a whole logjam near the top and that's sort of forgotten," Gould said. "This is bragging rights of the town and the loser is subjected to hearing it all year at basketball and baseball (games) and it doesn't feel good."

Even with so much on the line, Monken emphasizes that this is a fun rivalry to have, especially since both teams are successful.

"It's a healthy thing. It's not negative or bitter and the kids look forward to having bragging rights over their buddies," Monken said.

Bragging rights are great, but bragging rights and an undefeated conference season is taking it to another level. That's what the Saints will try to accomplish tonight.