HOWARD — It’s 5.7 miles, about a 9-minute drive, from East Knox High School to Danville High School. But on the last Friday night of football season, they might as well be on two different continents.
On Friday night, the long-standing rivalry — not quite Ohio State and Michigan, but for those in zip codes 43014 and 43028, it’s close — will be played at East Knox.
The host Bulldogs enter the fray with a 5-4 overall record and 2-4 in the KMAC, while the Blue Devils boast an unblemished 9-0 and 6-0 record. Records aside, those familiar with the tradition will describe Friday’s undertaking as essentially a one-game season.
The Blue Devils have more at stake than bragging rights.
“We are excited for the opportunity to go and compete at East Knox to win an outright KMAC conference title for the second time in school history and a chance to achieve a 10-0 undefeated season which would be the sixth time in school history,” Danville coach Matt Blum said.
“Our #1 program goal every year is to beat East Knox, so that is what we will strive to do.”
Is the countdown clock, reminding players every day how close the game is, still in place? “Oh yeah!” Blum answered emphatically.
Danville has outscored foes 437-58 this fall.
It makes for a daunting task for the Bulldogs.
“It’s an exciting time to be a part of this,” East Knox coach Gabe Steinmetz said. “It is something we look forward to all year. It pushes us, as a team and coaching staff.
“The Week 10 matchup is always something to look forward to.”
Rushing leaders collide
The Bulldogs boast senior Logan Clark, averaging just over 86 rushing yards per game, while junior quarterback Rush Beatty has tossed the rock for an average of 73 yards per game. One of Beatty’s favorite targets is senior Dakota Cooper, who is snagging passes for 17 yards per game.
When the Blue Devils take the field, all eyes will be on Cy Wallace, who is rewriting the rushing record books, averaging just shy of 92 yards a game — eclipsing the century mark several times in his career. Nolan Ridgeway hustled for over 100 yards last week against Centerburg.
Mother Nature plans to bring clear skies to the game, with temperatures falling into the upper 30s.
Still, the Danville and East Knox gridiron squads promise plenty of heat.