CCIW lead on the line

Familiarity may breed rivalry, but for Wheaton College and North Central College it has also bred respect. Over roughly a half century the two schools have been playing for The Little Brass Bell trophy, and this year it once again has playoff implications.

"I think the biggest thing is it's a big game because both teams are historically good teams," Wheaton coach Mike Swider said. "It's a good game because it's a rivalry, it's a big game because you're playing for a trophy, but ultimately it's just one game."

The feeling was echoed by North Central coach John Thorne.

"This is always a favorite game for, I think, both colleges," Thorne said. "We really match up extremely well together."

The two teams will clash at 7 p.m. Saturday at Wheaton College under the lights. It will be the final time Swider and Thorne face each other as opposing coaches before Thorne retires at the end of the year.

"It always means a lot when we play Wheaton, it's been so much fun," Thorne said. "My whole life I've lived in Wheaton. I love that community and I've always loved that school. This last 12 years we have had to play against them and oh my gosh they have been such exciting games."

Swider said the game would have plenty of nostalgia. He called Thorne a good coach and a good man and said he's been good for football.

On the field balance was the key word for both coaches. Swider specifically mentioned the need to limit the catches and big-play opportunities for North Central wide receiver Peter Sorenson.

After losing their only game of the season last month, the Cardinals have averaged more than 50 points a game. Wheaton, on the other hand, has let up an average of less than 13 points a game so far this season. However, Swider said he isn't looking for a way to exploit the North Central offense, just what can be stopped.

The two teams sit at the top of the CCIW standings with matching 3-0 conference records. The only difference comes from North Central's lone nonconference loss on the season. That makes this game a must-win for Thorne, who said unlike Wheaton his team can't afford a loss if it wants to make the playoffs.

Despite being in the driver's seat, Swider said beating a team of North Central's caliber is always important. The Thunder missed out on the playoffs the last two years and watched North Central continue its season.

"If we are going to get to the playoffs we have got to win this football game," Swider said.