Post by title1parent on Sept 19, 2008 5:27:31 GMT -5
www.dailyherald.com/story/?id=235638&src=76
Indian Prairie Classic set for Friday night in Naperville.
By Justin Kmitch | Daily Herald
Today marks the 10th anniversary of the lopsided Indian Prairie Classic football rivalry between the Waubonsie Valley Warriors and the Neuqua Valley Wildcats.
The schools are siblings in Indian Prairie Unit District 204. And like most siblings, they have a few scores to settle. Given the buzz on both campuses heading into the game, one could find it hard to believe the Wildcats hold a 7-2 advantage in the Upstate Eight matchup.
Neuqua Valley will host Waubonsie Valley at 7:30 p.m. at North Central College's Benedetti-Wehrli Stadium.
Neuqua head coach Bryan Wells said the Wildcats (1-2) will be looking to avenge last year's 10-6 loss to the Warriors (0-3). It was their first loss in the classic since 2001.
"We don't need to emphasize that because you don't have to add a lot of gasoline to a fire that's already burning," Wells said. "This rivalry means a lot. It is definitely something that we recognize as important."
Waubonsie head coach Paul Murphy also recognizes the symbolic importance and hopes last year's victory sparks a turnaround in both the series and his team's winless start this season.
But he promised his team will receive no Knute Rockne-style pre-game speeches.
"Of course we want the bragging rights for the district, but it's more important for us to get our first win playing good solid football," Murphy said. "The students and our fans are going crazy and want that, too, but I'm not letting the players get caught up in that stuff."
As for the neutral site at North Central College, both teams said the larger venue adds to the big game atmosphere. Thousands of students and faculty, decked out in their teams' colors, are guaranteed to pack the stadium.
"Once a year, our guys get to play in a large, packed college stadium," Murphy said. "You couldn't ask for a better venue or crowd experience, unless you get in the playoffs."
Wells called North Central "home away from home."
"We're just so comfortable there as a team," Wells said. "But the Warriors might feel that way after last year, too. It's going to be a great night."
Tickets will be for sale at the North Central College stadium ticket booth beginning at 4 p.m. Tickets are $6 for adults, $4 for students with ID and senior citizens. District staff with ID may enter with one guest.
If you go
What: Neuqua Valley vs. Waubonsie Valley football game
When: 7:30 p.m. today
Where: North Central College's Benedetti-Wehrli Stadium, 450 S. Brainard St., Naperville
Cost: $6 for adults, $4 for students and seniors; available at stadium beginning at 4 p.m.
Indian Prairie Classic set for Friday night in Naperville.
By Justin Kmitch | Daily Herald
Today marks the 10th anniversary of the lopsided Indian Prairie Classic football rivalry between the Waubonsie Valley Warriors and the Neuqua Valley Wildcats.
The schools are siblings in Indian Prairie Unit District 204. And like most siblings, they have a few scores to settle. Given the buzz on both campuses heading into the game, one could find it hard to believe the Wildcats hold a 7-2 advantage in the Upstate Eight matchup.
Neuqua Valley will host Waubonsie Valley at 7:30 p.m. at North Central College's Benedetti-Wehrli Stadium.
Neuqua head coach Bryan Wells said the Wildcats (1-2) will be looking to avenge last year's 10-6 loss to the Warriors (0-3). It was their first loss in the classic since 2001.
"We don't need to emphasize that because you don't have to add a lot of gasoline to a fire that's already burning," Wells said. "This rivalry means a lot. It is definitely something that we recognize as important."
Waubonsie head coach Paul Murphy also recognizes the symbolic importance and hopes last year's victory sparks a turnaround in both the series and his team's winless start this season.
But he promised his team will receive no Knute Rockne-style pre-game speeches.
"Of course we want the bragging rights for the district, but it's more important for us to get our first win playing good solid football," Murphy said. "The students and our fans are going crazy and want that, too, but I'm not letting the players get caught up in that stuff."
As for the neutral site at North Central College, both teams said the larger venue adds to the big game atmosphere. Thousands of students and faculty, decked out in their teams' colors, are guaranteed to pack the stadium.
"Once a year, our guys get to play in a large, packed college stadium," Murphy said. "You couldn't ask for a better venue or crowd experience, unless you get in the playoffs."
Wells called North Central "home away from home."
"We're just so comfortable there as a team," Wells said. "But the Warriors might feel that way after last year, too. It's going to be a great night."
Tickets will be for sale at the North Central College stadium ticket booth beginning at 4 p.m. Tickets are $6 for adults, $4 for students with ID and senior citizens. District staff with ID may enter with one guest.
If you go
What: Neuqua Valley vs. Waubonsie Valley football game
When: 7:30 p.m. today
Where: North Central College's Benedetti-Wehrli Stadium, 450 S. Brainard St., Naperville
Cost: $6 for adults, $4 for students and seniors; available at stadium beginning at 4 p.m.