As the 2020 high school football season commences Friday, Lake City and McBain are set to renew their rivalry.
Just 10 miles separate these two schools and a rivalry series that McBain leads all time at 27-25.
The Trojans enter Friday’s Highland Conference opener winners of their last five meetings with the Ramblers. A year ago, Lake City rallied in the final minute of the fourth quarter for a 21-15 victory.
“To be able to play an actual game and to start the season off with our crosstown rival, it’s going to bring a whole different energy,” Lake City coach Kyle Smith said. “Everyone is going to be excited to be out there. There’s really going to be game on jitters, you’re going into a big game, a trophy game. It’s going to be a fun atmosphere.”
“It’s always been the most exciting game, added Lake City senior Hunter Bisballe. “We like to prepare for every game the same, but there’s always added intensity and stuff in practice and we like beating them.”
Both programs have made three consecutive playoff appearances, with McBain falling to Traverse City St. Francis in a Division 7 district final last fall.
“It’s huge,” McBain senior Daniel Rodenbaugh said. “There’s players talking to each other it all the time, all year that’s all you hear about. And, I mean, if we lose or win, everyone is going to hear about it throughout the whole entire year until the next football season when we meet again.”
“You’re going to be geared up for sure more,” added McBain coach Pat Maloney. “I think our seniors, they have a goal of beating them, but we just want to have fun playing football and soaking up the whole atmosphere. It’s going to be a good game, it’s our rival. You know, I think both of us as teams are just excited to play football.”
Friday’s kickoff in McBain is stated for 7 p.m.
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