Mayer: Rivalry Games in the Playoffs Are Special

 Rivalry games are consistently some of the most epic and memorable contests in any sport. The passion from fans and players are raised to another level, often with more then a victory on the line. There's always bragging rights, but the pride factor is consistently elevated in match ups against a chief rival.

The list of best rivalries will change depending on who you talk to. I always start with Dodgers vs. Giants and Packers vs. Bears because of my favorite team biases. If I jog my memory, The Yankees and Red Sox have had a few memorable games over the years. Flyers vs. Penguins, Michigan vs. Ohio State, Nadal vs. Federer, Ali vs. Frazier, Lakers vs. Celtics, Duke vs. North Carolina,  you get the point.

Rivalry games often ignite that extra sense of urgency and passion that can only be brought out by higher stakes. Higher stakes...like the playoffs perhaps. The atmosphere is charged, the venue is packed, and everyone feels like the game is life or death. That description could be used for both a rivalry game and a playoff game. So, what happens when serious rivals get the rare opportunity to face off in the playoffs? Often, fireworks and moments we never forget.

This thought obviously stems from the sectionals match-up the Wabash Valley will be tuned into this upcoming Friday. Through a random draw, the Terre Haute North Patriots and Terre Haute South Braves were aligned and high school football fans across Terre Haute squealed like little girls receiving a pony as a birthday present. Really? We get the Victory Bell battle 2.0? YESSSSSSSSSSSSS!! Ok, I had to get that out of my system.

I've been working at NBC 2 for just over two months now. You would think that with my limited exposure to high school football in The Valley that a rematch wouldn't get me so excited. You would be wrong. The lead up to the first game was too much fun. The passion from both sides is contagious. This football season has been filled with all kinds of story lines, drama, and great games. In fact, one of the biggest plot lines going is the Terre Haute North Patriots. What a season North has put together compiling a winning record in the MIC alongside the monster schools of Indianapolis.

I'll never forget the build up in week two for the Victory Bell Battle won by the Patriots in front of a huge crowd at Memorial Stadium. So here we are, just a couple of days away from two fierce rivals facing off to extend their seasons. Winner goes on loser goes home. This is do or die. It's gut check time. *Other cliche sports saying to get my point across*. Throw the week two contest out the window now, whoever wins this game will not only have bragging rights, but a place on top of the rivalry record books as well. Any playoff game would be critical for both teams, but the emotions will be on another level before the first ball is kicked. The Braves and Patriots will have a moment to stare each other in the face and understand what they're playing for. #HEREWEGO