Rivalry Week Preview: East Islip @ West Islip

Sometimes it's more than just a game. 

When West Islip and East Islip meet on the same football field, it's about pride, bragging rights and the chance for the victors to boast for a lifetime.

Last season, East Islip (6-1) beat the Lions not once, but twice, including a 17-10  postseason victory.  They've now won five out of the last six games in the series and enter this contest as the clear favorites and leaders in Division II power points. 

Meanwhile, West Islip (4-3) is coming off a 34-7 thrashing of Hills East and is approaching this game with a postseason mentality.

"We're gonna prepare like it's a playoff game," said junior quarterback Anthony Santo.  They're our biggest rivals and we've been playing them for years.  We gotta come out on top and play hard, like we usually do."

Great American Rivalry Series

It's no surprise that for the fourth straight year, the game will be part of iHigh.com's Great American Rivalry Series. 

"We came to the game last year, and what I told my colleagues is that this was one of the best games on my schedule, bar none," said Jon Ford, event coordinator for the Great American Rivalry Series. "It's great to see folks from both schools show that much passion."

Ford said the Great Rivalry selection committee receives more than 1,000 nominations a year from high schools all over the country.  But this game was so popular amongst the community and schools, that it had to be included again.

"We don't add anything to the game, we just put the game in the spotlight and recognize it around the country as one of the best high school football rivalries."

Aside from coverage, the Great Rivalry series awards $1,000 scholarship to the home school and recognizes the top student-athletes from each team.

For players, alumni, and communities

East Islip leads the all-time series between the two schools 16-15-3 (according to Newsday's Andy Slawson), and the Lions would love nothing more than evening up the series. 

"From a community standpoint, I'm sure everyone's very excited about it," Horan said.  "And over the years, the games have been determined in the last couple minutes of the fourth quarter. 

"It's a great rivalry that has been going back and forth for many years. I think our alumni truly enjoy it. We have players on the team who are kids and grandkids of those who have participated in this rivalry. "

Redmen quarterback Kevin Hutchinson poses the biggest threat for the Lions defense.  The three-way senior (offense, defense, special teams) has totaled more than 500 yards passing, 574 yards rushing, has eight offensive touchdowns and three interceptions on the season.

There's no doubt West Islip will have to play one of their most complete games of the season to come out with a victory.  But know that they're up for the challenge.

"It's a tremendous game, there's no comparison to an East Islip/West Islip," coach Steve Mileti said. "They're having a great season, they have a great team over there but our kids are ready.

"It's gonna be a packed house and it's gonna be a great environment to play football."