The game is sure to be a hard-hitting showcase. Utilizing a veteran defense that returns nine key contributors from an 11-win 2005 team that gave up less than 11 points a game last year, City looks to build on back-to-back shutouts to open this season.

“We have nine defensive returnees from last year?s team and we have high expectations,” said George Petrides, City?s 36-year coach. “We are going to be tested as a unit.”

Limiting mistakes and ball control will be crucial to victory Saturday night. Both coaches point to miscues and great effort in City?s 8-0 win last fall.

“Last year?s game was a good game,” Petrides said. “I watch it over and over again. We scored on a touchdown pass in the fourth quarter. It could have gone either way.”

Jones looks for the trend of close, physical games to continue.

“Basically, the last couple years, the games have been close,” he said. “It?s a physical game. It comes down to who makes the most mistakes. Last year, they got us because they [capitalized on] a few more mistakes that we made.”

Both coaches are looking to use the game as a springboard for success ? and a Division I title.

“Absolutely, no question about it,” Petrides said. “[The Knights] want to go. They have the hunger for the state playoffs after getting to the state semifinals [last year]. This is a big game towards that.”

Jones sees things as simple as just hunkering down and playing old-fashioned football.

“We are going to play Edmondson football,” he said. “We are going to run the ball well, pass the ball well and play good solid defense.”