As the Cactus Cobras prepare to make the short drive to go up against the Peoria Panthers, both teams head into the rivalry game with a record of 1-1. While most people understand the tradition this particular game carries and also the maturity of the rivalry throughout the years, this year’s game is a little different.

For the first time since the rivalry began, Cactus head coach Larry Fetkenhier will no longer be able to look across the field to the other sidelines and see former coach Doug Clapp. This year, he will see Peoria alumni and new head coachWill Babb, who is no stranger to taking on Cactus football, no only as a player, but also as a coach.

The players on either side of the field are pumped and ready to take on the challenge and know in a game such as this, you must execute in order to come out on top. Peoria heads into the game averaging 166.5 passing yards per game and 224 rushing yards per game, while the Cobras are averaging 122.5 passing yards and 270.5 rushing yards.

By Jennifer Jimenez