If the Cushman Classic itself wasn't enough to generate excitement, now a playoff spot is on the line.
Although Grand Forks Central is winless through eight games, the Knights are one big Cushman Classic performance away from the North Dakota Class AAA high school football playoffs. And Grand Forks Red River has a chance to make the playoffs for the first time in seven years.
Central and Red River will clear up the playoff picture when they meet in the 12th annual Cushman Classic at 7 tonight at Cushman Field.
If Central beats Red River by more than 14 points and Fargo Shanley loses to Wahpeton, the Knights get the fifth and final playoff spot from the East Region. Red River just needs to win to make the postseason.
If the Knights win by 14 or fewer points, Shanley is the fifth seed.
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"That doesn't change our game plan," Central coach Bill Lorenz said. "We're not trying to make drastic changes. We're going to play the game and if it gets to that situation at the end of the game where we need points, then we'll take that into consideration.
"It's not something we're dwelling on. First and foremost, we want a victory."
Red River, on the other hand, is focused on getting to the playoffs for the first time since 2001, the same year the Roughriders last won the Cushman Classic.
"We've told our kids since the Thief River Falls game that every game from here on out is a playoff game," Red River coach Vyrn Muir said. "We've been in a playoff mindset each week. Our kids know it's do or die."
The Riders hope to establish the run. Central won the ground war last season, holding Red River to fewer than 40 yards rushing, while Knights back Jared Gowan ran for 265 yards and four touchdowns.
"Running the ball will make our lives easier," Muir said. "That's going to make our passing game more efficient."
Central will have a similar offensive mindset. It's run first, pass second.
"You look at our number, and we've had success throwing the ball," Lorenz said. "But we always want to establish the run. We're going to come out running the football. We're going to put an emphasis on our offensive line. We've challenged them to get the job done up front.
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"We want to control the clock and keep the ball in our hands. Our best defense is our offense at times."
Defensively, the Knights want to corral Red River's speedy skill players. Central has struggled defensively this year, allowing 37.6 points per game.
"They have kids who can make plays," Lorenz said of Red River. "Sam King does a nice job of running their offense. We have to try and contain their speed kids.
"Speed has given us trouble this year. We're not the fastest team by any means. We have to stick with the fundamentals. Our defensive backs can't let anything behind them. Then, we have to rally to the football and gang tackle."
The Roughriders, who are 2-6 overall and 1-4 in the region, are just as worried about the big play.
"We have another high-powered offense to try to slow down," Muir said. "They're a big-play opportunity team. They like to throw down the sideline. We need to limit big plays and get the ball back."
