Inside the Huddle: A Rivalry Spanning More Than a Century

After 121 years it's safe to say that RFA and Proctor know each other well. And players and coaches don't need any extra motivation to prepare for this game. But for the first time in this historic rivalry the Black Knights and the Raiders met on a Thursday.

RFA Head Coach Ted Swavely says, "I mean it doesn't get any bigger than this, kids have circled this game a long time ago, I mean this is the big one."

It's the oldest high school football rivalry in New York State dating back to 1891. And for the 121st edition the powers to be decided this game should be played on a special night and that changes preparation for both teams.

Proctor Head Coach Jerry Fiorini says, "You know we're a little bit more on the kids this week. You know it is a little more stressful on coaches and our players because it's such a big game the two communities being rivals and everything like that so yeah we put a little extra stress on the team."

Swavely says, "It's hectic, the preparation is so quick it's so fast, it seemed like the whole week went by so fast, I can't believe it's Thursday already."

            There's always a range of emotions going into any contest for any sport, but one of the hardest things for coaches and players to do is keep the emotions in check.

Fiorini says, "The kids can't wait for this game, a lot of them are friends with guys on the other team, these are the kids they see walking around the mall, it's for bragging rights."

Swavely added, "This is the one where you don't have to get the kids too hyped up they know what this game is all about. The know what's at stake, they know its a league game, they know they don't want to be 0 and 1 in the league."