In Central Illinois, the rivalry between VVC competitors Oakwood and Salt Fork is heating up, promising an intense showdown on the football field this season.

Both teams boast 5-2 records, each vying for a pivotal sixth victory that would secure them a spot in the playoffs.

This year’s clash is even more enticing with the introduction of the Salt Kettle Classic trophy for the winning team, enhancing the stakes of an already fierce rivalry.

Under the leadership of fourth-year head coach Cameron Lee, Oakwood has been making impressive strides, averaging nearly 38 points per game.

“Forget the rivalry and the trophy; this was always going to be a significant game between two strong teams,” Lee remarked. “With both teams standing at 5-2, they’re eager to prove themselves as top contenders in the conference.”

“It’s always been like us against Salt Fork since like youth, and it’s always been a rival which I’m excited for, and now they have a trophy, so I’m like really pumped for that,” Oakwood senior Tyler Huchel said.

“I just want to beat them,” Oakwood senior Layne Frischkorn said. “Having the trophy on the line too, you get bragging rights.” “I see those guys at my gym all the time, so you best believe all offseason they’re talking.”

Salt Fork enters this game confident as winners of two straight, getting a boost from underclassmen to help them reach postseason eligibility.

“Our young kids have progressed a lot quicker than we’d expected to,” Storm head coach Les Siefert said. “We’ve thrown some kids to the fire, if you will.” “We’ve had some injuries, but our young kids have stepped up.” “I feel like our running game has probably been our strength this year, we’ve been able to run the ball well.”

“We have two freshmen that have been starting both ways lately and even on special teams, we’ve had some sophomores and freshmen that have really impacted a lot and really, in past few games, changed our direction,” Salt Fork senior Kade Smith said.

“We play those guys in every sport, and we co-op with them [in other sports], so I mean, we know a lot of those guys, but it’s a big game, and you’ve got to put the friendship aside and you got to just go play football,” Salt Fork senior Maddax Stine said.