The annual rivalry between the Straughn Tigers and the Red Level Tigers could come to an end Friday. The game is slated to kickoff at 7:30 p.m. at Straughn.

The game is being replaced on the schedule by both schools for various reasons. The teams plan to continue the rivalry with a jamboree during the preseason.

The final game should be a good one.

Red Level enters the game with an 8-1 record and a spot in the Class 2A playoffs.

Straughn enters the game with a 6-3 record and a spot in the Class 3A playoffs secured.

Both Red Level Head Coach Tim Grimes and Straughn Head Coach Trent Taylor predicted the Tigers will win the game. The coaches, however, did not specify which group of Tigers they were predicting to win.

Grimes said he expects a challenging game for his Tigers.

"They are well coached. They have good athletes and they don't beat themselves," Grimes said.

Taylor said he expects a very competitive game.

"They have a fast defense and it is probably the fastest Red Level defense we've seen in a long time," Taylor said. "It's one of those games you look forward to playing, but you hold your breath from a coaching standpoint because you don't want any injuries."

Both coaches said they are not as familiar with their cross-county rivals this season as in years past.

"Usually, at this time of year, I've seen every Red Level game on film," Taylor said. "This year, the first time I saw a Red level film was when we exchanged tapes Saturday morning."

Grimes said he has not kept a close eye on Straughn this season, either, because the teams are no longer region foes in Class 2A.

"Since they went to 3a, we don't see a lot of film on them," Grimes said.

Taylor said Red Level is playing "with a lot of confidence" after beating a "good G.W. Long team last week."

On the other hand, Taylor said his team has lost the last two weeks.

Grimes knows it will not be easy, but he wants a win.

"We just hope we can find a way to win Friday," Grimes said. "It's been a while since we beat them. We are going to do everything we can to beat them."