TC Central, TC West Set for First Postseason Meeting

TRAVERSE CITY – One of the most anticipated first-round matchups in the 2016 MHSAA high school football postseason is the first-ever playoff meeting between rivals  and .

Wrapping up their second consecutive Big North Conference title in outright fashion last week, the Trojans will play host to West in a Division 2 pre-district on Friday in our “Overtime on the Road” matchup.

A rematch of Week 3’s Patriot Game, which Central (8-1) won, 10-8, West (6-3) is looking to snap its losing skid to the Trojans, having lost three straight in the series by a touchdown or less.

“I think it’s good for Traverse City football in general because both teams are becoming good again and making playoff appearances,” Central senior Terrell Solberg said. “It’s just good for the history of Traverse City.”

“Just as it was Week 3, it’s going to be a defensive show,” added West senior Bobby Howell. “I think that offense is really going have to pull through on both sides of the ball if one of us is going to get a win.”

A win by West on Friday would be just the second playoff win in program history, while Central is seeking its first postseason victory since 2012.

“I think it adds more to it and adds excitement,” Schugars said. “It’s going to be a great high school football atmosphere for our players and coaches. Like I told my players, embrace the moment. Here it is. We’re trying to go 1-0 and on in the postseason.”

“I hope that not only do we have a great crowd for this game, but our community follows whichever team moves onto the next round or realizes that this is why you play the game of football,” added West coach Tim Wooer.

The winner will play either Greenville (5-4) or top-ranked Lowell (9-0) in next week’s district final.