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Since some of this year's players were in diapers Fairview/Lutheran West has meant week one of the football season. Adding to the fact, the two schools are almost within shouting distance has made the bragging rights of this annual game extra special.

Last year the game was essentially over before the marching band sat down as the Lutheran West Longhorns led 21-0 after one quarter, 49-0 at the half and won 59-0. The game proved to be an accurate barometer for the rest of the season as West qualified for the playoffs and Fairview finished 1-9.

Despite all that, Lutheran West coach Troy Fehrs admitted he is concerned about this year's battle.

"I am nervous," Fehrs said. "I am nervous about our kids' perspective and the motivation it has provided for the Fairview kids. They have a new coach and a lot to be excited about. They have a three-year starter at quarterback and that's big. I am sure they will be sky high for this game. It is a big rivalry, our kids interact with the Fairview kids more than any team we play."

New Fairview coach Mark Ohradzansky is unfamiliar with the rivalry of the two neighborhood’s kids but said he is learning fast.

"The kids are getting me to understand the rivalry," Ohradzansky said. "I think they are a little embarrassed."

Ohradzansky spent last year as the defensive coordinator at Middletown, but before that held the same position at Westlake High School. Despite the poor record over the last few seasons, he is excited to be at Fairview.

"You win with good people," he said. "The school district, community and football program is filled with good people. The facilities here are bar none the best in the area. The field is state-of-the-art and they just broke ground on the new rec complex next door. There is all kinds of potential here."

There is a new excitement in the program as last season the program had just 34 players but now has close to 60. Ohradzansky has a blend of veteran players who are thirsting to win and loads of younger players familiar with success at the middle school level.

"I feel like we have an outstanding coaching staff," he said. "They are doing an outstanding job of preparing the kids."

One returning player for Fairview is quarterback Brandon Reese. Ohradzansky plans to run an offense to take advantage of Reese's talent and experience.

"We will playing fast break football," Ohradzansky said. "We will be in a shotgun four-wide offense. I think it gives us the best opportunity to win."

On defense, the Warriors are learning the 4-3 defense with man coverage that Ohradzansky has used in his past jobs.

"I believe in the defense," he said. "We will take some lumps as the kids pick it up, but we will get better as they learn it."

The learning curve may have to be quick. Lutheran West has long been known for its Wing-T run-the-ball offense. Rare has been the game when passes reach double digits. That is changing. Lutheran West is now running out of the shotgun. Before their long-time fans faint, don't worry, the Longhorns will still run the ball.

"We have taken the concepts of the Wing-T to the spread formation," Fehrs said. "The ultimate idea is to pass more and open up the offense, but we believe it will also create seams and space for the running game."

One of the reasons for the switch is the first sophomore quarterback to ever start under Fehrs.

"Paul Fackler has been throwing it really well," Fehrs said. "He has had a great August."

Senior DeMario Collier will be the featured back. He rushed 124 times last year for 920 yards and eight touchdowns last season.

"DeMario is a very talented running back," Fehrs said.

One concern for Lutheran West is the injuries suffered in the preseason.

"We have lost some key players, some for the season," Fehrs said. "It was a bad August health-wise. We will still be able to put varsity caliber athletes at every position. But it has hurt us."

  Kickoff is at 7:30 p.m. on Friday night at Fairview High School stadium. Parking is always a concern at Fairview, but with the Gemini construction, it is best to get there really early or hope for good weather so you can walk.