This time around, there are plenty of juicy subplots leading up to today's 7:30 p.m. clash at John Glover Stadium. And the biggest headline-grabber out of the bunch is this: both teams' playoff hopes depend on a win tonight.
Of course, a win over a rival is a nice added bonus.
"I don't how you make it more important to us or to them. I don't think that's possible," Bumblebees coach Royce McAdams said. "It's one of those tradition-rich games. Both teams are going to give everything they've got to try to win the game."
The Bees (5-3, 2-2 District 25-2A) need a win over the Eagles by eight points or more plus a Rogers win against Salado next week to wrap up a playoff spot for the second straight year. And the good news for the Bees is they've been at their best at home after a loss.
Academy handed co-district leader Lago Vista its only loss after falling to Lexington. The Bees could add Rogers to that list after Salado's Hunter Ward returned an interception 71 yards with less than a minute to play to steal a win over Academy last week.
"We like playing when times are tough," Academy fullback/linebacker Tyler Moon said. "That's just how we do it."
Added McAdams: "These guys are resilient. They've come back all year long from some weird things that have happened to us through the year, some bad breaks."
The Eagles (6-2, 3-1) have a chance to win a share of a second straight District 25-2A title but must close the regular season with two straight wins to do it thanks to last week's loss to Lago Vista. There's a chance they could lose tonight, beat Salado and still get into the postseason on tiebreakers. Rogers coach Jeff Walker, however, made it clear he doesn't want things to come to that.
"It's a must-win," Walker said. "We have to win this game."
Added tailback E.J. Larkin: "We're just trying to get it done, get in the playoffs. We want to keep our district championship."
rschneider@temple-telegram
