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Last week, both Sentinel and Big Sky held double digit leads in the 2nd half. But both of them couldn't hold on against the Billings competition. The Spartans lost on a late touchdown to Skyview. The Eagles gave up 28 straight 2nd half points in their loss at Billings West. But they both didn't have anytime to dwell on it. Cause tonight is the first cross-town clash of the season...Spartans versus Eagles.

A good rivalry game gives you plenty of drama. That's exactly what Sentinel and Big Sky provided last year. The Spartans jumped out to a 16 to nothing lead, but Big Sky came storming back to win 21 to 16. And everyone anticipates the same kind of game this time.

"Well, I expect another barn-burner. I expect them to come out being physical, and expect us to use our athleticism. I mean, it's no secret, you know, we have two different styles of offense and two different teams. And it should, that contrast in styles should make for a great evening." said Sentinel Head Coach, Pete Joseph.

Fans at Missoula County Stadium will see a battle of old-school versus new-school on the field.

"We definitely want to control the ball. That's the type of team we are, and play a little more smash-mouth. They're a little more fancy, spread you out. If we let them play their style the whole game, it's definitely going to be more on their terms." said Big Sky Head Coach, Matt Johnson.

"We need to play the way we want to play, and not the way their defense is going to try and make us play. And, that's going to be a big thing coming in. Because we're more of a spread it out, pass the ball and stuff, and that kind of works good against how big and slow, kind of I guess, they are." -Ben Roberts, Sentinel WR.

Every player wearing blue and gold or purple and gold knows exactly what's on the line tonight. And like any good rivalry, the trash talking started early.

"We're going to remember this for a long time. If we come out with a win, it's going to be a good memory from high school." -Tanner Orr, Big Sky LB.

"I know a few of them. And you know, I've heard from all of the guys and stuff that talk to them all the time, you know. They're all chirping at us. We're chirping at them, you know. It's just part of the whole thing."-Roberts.

"The ones I'm friends with, they're all right. They're cool kids. But the other ones, they just think they're, they're the best in the city. And, we're going to show them who is."-Orr.

The first game in the battle for a city championship begins Friday night. Sentinel takes on Big Sky at 7:00 p.m. You can also relive all of the action on Saturday night at 10:35 p.m., as our Prep Game of the Week right here on Montana's News Station.