This weekend's slate of Friday Football Extra playoff games features a number of excellent matchups on the high school gridiron. Perhaps none better than a battle of two unbeatens who are very familiar with one another.
"We expect a great football game. A barnburner," Northside head coach Burt Torrence says. "And it should be exciting for the fans that come out Friday night."
Brookville travels to Northside on Friday. That will be the fourth year in a row these schools have met in the postseason. The 2011 edition will be for the Region III, Division 3 title.
"We're a lot more physical than they are," Viking quarterback Adam Hardister said. "That's the mindset we take into every game is that we're going to be more physical than the other team."
Both squads are 11-0 with sights set on a state championship. Brookville won the Seminole District while Northside claimed the Blue Ridge.
In 2008 Logan Thomas led the Bees to victory before moving on to Virginia Tech. The Vikings won the following year en route to a state title.
Last year Brookville came back for the win, dashing the Vikings' hopes at a repeat.
"This year our preparation is just each game by itself," said senior wide receiver and safety Tyler Fisher. "It's definitely helped that we've been there in 2009 and won it. We know what to expect. Friday night should be a good test for us."
Kickoff is set for 7:30pm at Victory Stadium in Roanoke.
