Trojans and Chargers battle for supremacy under the lights

By Andrew Mendler

The rivalry between the Moira Trojans and Centennial Chargers football teams will continues tonight when the teams face off in the second annual Friday Night Lights doubleheader.

“Centennial is a bunch of big strong guys,” said Moira head coach Dave Corbett.  “We know it’s going to be a hard game and a tough battle and hopefully we come out on top.”

The senior teams will have the advantage as most of their players experience playing under the lights in last year’s event.

“We [played them] last year, it wasn’t so great for us but hopefully it will be better for us this year,” said Moira quarterback Evan Cleave.

Cleave and his Trojan teammates were defeated 23-13 under the lights last season. Moira’s junior team didn’t fare any better, losing 33-7.

Both teams will have to deal with playing under a set of 10 rental lights, as permanent lights have yet to be installed. Corbett feels that this will make it harder for both teams’ quarterbacks.

“The lights aren’t high enough, so basically when [receivers] turn around and look they are seeing the lights not the ball,” said Corbett.

Like any coach Corbett just wants to win football games and would prefer to play under better lighting.

“I would actually probably prefer to play the game on that field but during the day, just because of the lighting situation, said Corbett. “Once they get the permanent lights in that should not be an issue anymore.”

The games will be played at Mary Ann Sills Park with the junior game starting at 5 p.m. and the seniors taking the field at 7 p.m.

The two teams have had some close games in recent years but it was the Chargers who came out on top last year winning the Bay of Quinte Championship 32-14.

The senior teams are on opposite paths entering tomorrow contest. The Trojans defence shined last Thursday shutting out Trenton 34-0. The Chargers blew a 21-7 lead to the Quinte Saints and had to settle for a 21-21 tie.

Even though the Chargers struggled last time out, Corbett still feels his team has to be at their best.

“We just have to make sure we execute things properly because we are smaller than them,” said Corbett.  “I think we are probably a little bit quicker but when you are playing someone that is bigger than you, you have to make sure that you do everything correctly.”