Cougars, Roughriders prepare for rivalry clash
The Central McLean Cougars and Southern McLean Roughriders will renew their local football rivalry Friday, Sept. 18, when the neighboring programs meet at Turtle Lake-Mercer High School.
Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m.
The matchup brings together two programs representing several nearby communities, giving players, families and fans throughout the area an opportunity to gather for one of the most anticipated games on the schedule.
Southern McLean head coach Beau Eriksson said the contest carries importance beyond the two teams taking the field.
“We view the rivalry against Central McLean as important to both teams and the communities involved,” Eriksson said. “It is cool to see everyone rally around this event and support the players.”
The programs met last season in an atmosphere Eriksson expects will be matched when the teams arrive in Turtle Lake this year. With many players familiar with one another, the matchup naturally carries added energy.
“Last year was a great environment, in which I would expect the same for this year too,” Eriksson said. “There is always a bit more intensity that comes with the game, but we look at it as another game where we need to be at our very best and an opportunity to improve as a team.”
While the contest has been labeled a rivalry, Central McLean head coach Grant Singer noted that meetings between the two programs have been rare in recent history. Their proximity and the connections between their players, however, have helped the matchup quickly attract attention.