The boys varsity football team is preparing to play rival Lyons Township High School on Friday, Oct. 13 at 7:30 p.m. on Dickinson Field. The team is looking to rebound from their loss to Glenbard West, which snapped their six game winning streak, giving them their first conference loss of the year.

Lyons Township players, who are currently undefeated on the road this season with a 4-0 record, are looking to beat Central, who they currently have a multi-game losing streak to. Central is working on team dynamic in addition to football drills. 

“So far we have done a good job of sticking together through adversity, eliminating BCD (Blame Complain Defend), and getting better everyday,” said Amijindi Nwankpa, senior defensive lineman.

But, the team believes that there is something unique about playing Lyons Township that makes them stand out from other schools.

“Lyons Township is different from every other school because of our rivalry,” said Kevin Qin, senior defensive lineman. “For both sides, it may be the biggest game of the year.”

Unlike other years, the team will have a lot more underclassmen playing for the rivalry game because of injuries. To make up for the injuries, the team is hoping that home field advantage will help them win.

“The environment during football games is always energetic, at least when the game first starts. The student section is usually the most packed while most of the fans follow the theme for the week,” said Aneesh Balusu, senior fan. “The crowd is usually fired up and gives off  a lot of support for the team as the game goes on.”

At the game, Central is hosting senior night for the band, poms, and cheer team because it is the final regular season home game.

Looking past the game, the team will have another major rivalry game next week against Hinsdale South on Friday, Oct. 20. After that, they will be looking to make a deep playoff run, as the road to state starts on Friday, Oct. 27.