Kings football coach Andy Olds knows what’s at stake Thursday night in his home stadium.

 

When Turpin (6-0, 1-0 Fort Ancient Valley Conference Cardinal division) visits the Knights (5-1, 1-0), it will be a continuation of a rivalry that will impact the league title and playoff implications in Division II.

 

Add to the fact the game will be televised live on FSN Ohio (7 p.m.) and the game carries even more meaning this year.

 

“This rivalry is a good and healthy one for our conference,” Olds said. “And yes, it is intense. But what is making this game more special is the fact that is an FSN game. All of the attention that this game will get throughout Cincinnati and the state only will make the players play better.”

 

Turpin, a 2006 state semifinalist, will be considered the favorite. The Spartans defeated Walnut Hills 48-14 and were voted the preseason favorite in the area.

 

The game will feature two of the premier quarterbacks in the conference with seniors Ryan Martin (Turpin) and Bruce Ernest (Kings).

 

Martin has thrown for 1,165 yards – second best in the conference, while Ernest was thrown for 860 yards (fourth best). Also the Spartans have Turpin senior Andy Cruse (Miami,  Ohio) has 581 yards receiving and is a threat on offense.

 

Kings hopes senior running back Connor Warye will return this week after an injury at Springboro in a 19-16 loss during Week 3.

 

Kings defeated Amelia 49-0 last week in the homecoming game and Warye was in uniform.

 

Defensively, Turpin and Kings are strong and have allowed less than 100 points each in their six games.

 

Olds said the largest crowd ever for the Kings stadium could happen and it’s possible to have an expected number of about 6,500 fans.

 

“Not many teams get a chance to be involved in a game like this,” Olds said. “I am hoping that both teams let the rest of the state know that great football is played in southwest Ohio even if it is not Division I.”