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Battle of Champaign lookahead

Posted by: Tony Bleill

Friday, October 17, 2008 1:02 AM

The nice thing about playing the Battle of Champaign late in the football season is that it can have a profound impact on the playoff picture. That's the case again this year, when Central and Centennial meet at 6:30 Friday at Tommy Stewart Field.

It is, in a way, a play-in game. If Central wins, it has five wins, which in the Big 12 pretty much assures a playoff berth. And the Maroons better win Friday because if they don't, they'll have to beat Normal Community in Week 9 to get that fifth victory. Not an easy chore there.

The Chargers, meanwhile, have to win their final two to get to five wins. Their Week 9 opponent is Normal West, and that's no gimme for the Chargers. I'd expect a very competitive game, but it's a winnable one for the Chargers. So, Friday's victor could be headed to the postseason, while the loser could stay home for the playoffs. It was more obvious last year when both teams entered the Week 9 game at 4-4, but the drama returns big-time again. I can't wait.

Central is seeking its first back-to-back series wins since 1999-2000. And Friday's winner also gets to claim all-time bragging rights. This year is the 36th edition of the Battle, and the series stands at 17-17-1. Can't get any more competitive than that.

I picked Central in the paper, basically because I think the Maroons can control the line of scrimmage. I don't see a high-scoring shootout developing, and I'm guessing the Maroons' defense will have more success slowing the Chargers' offense. I'm not sure Centennial's attack is efficient enough to keep pace with Central's offense, although the Maroons haven't exactly been lighting up the scoreboard against teams not named Mattoon.

As I mentioned in a previous post, it's a shame the Bulls-Jazz game was scheduled for Friday. Central-Centennial deserves top billing in Champaign on any night, and unfortunately, it won't get that type of treatment this time around. Here's hoping the teams put on another great show. I'm sure they will.