Knights, Trojans resume rivalry

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October 29, 2009

By Daniel Rigdon/sports writer The Meridian Star Thu Oct 29, 2009, 11:27 PM CDT

There is no better way to end a football season than to have two old rivals get together to battle it out. That's exactly what fans will be getting Friday night in Collinsville as West Lauderdale (8-2, 4-0 in Region 5-4A) and Northeast Lauderdale (6-4, 2-2) clash in the regular season finale.

The Trojans lead the all-time series, which dates back to 1962, 26-17-2. However, West has won the past four meetings between the two teams.

According to both coaches, this week's practices have been upbeat and the players cannot wait for game time.

"Our players know their players," West coach Glen Sanders said. "The kids look forward to this game every year."

Northeast coach Steve Nelson added: "Our seniors are 0-3 against West and really want this win."

West Lauderdale wrapped up the division last week with a win against South Jones and will be hosting a first round playoff game. Northeast, however, will be playing for the possibility of a better playoff spot.

If the Trojans win and Laurel and Quitman lose they would claim the No. 2 spot in the division behind the Knights. Should one of those teams lose and one win Northeast would clinch the third spot. They would fall to fourth if both Laurel and Quitman come away with victories.

West and Northeast both have dangerous offenses capable of putting up points. The Trojans will look to Marquez Hopson and Jamond Hill to make big plays.

"We need ball security from Hopson and Hill," Nelson noted. "If we get that out of them I feel good with the ball in their hands."

Sanders added: "They are very fast. We have to keep them in front of us and wrap them up and bring them down when we have the oppurtunities."

West will be counting on senior quarterback Nate Hodges and the backfield duo of Dennis Lewis and Robert Sillimon for a lot of offensive production in what has been a very effective Wing T set.

"Our execution has gotten better every week this year," said Sanders of West's offensive scheme.

Friday night's game should be exciting to watch as both teams look to roll into the playoffs with momentum behind them. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m.

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