Piece of title on the line between AG and SLO football Friday

Posted: Nov 1, 2012 2:42 PM by Bill Halter
Updated: Nov 1, 2012 9:26 PM

Eagles, Tigers renew rivalry Friday with piece of title on the line

The San Luis Obispo and Arroyo Grande High football teams are both guaranteed spots in the CIF Northern Division playoffs. But the rivals will play for a share of the Pac 7 championship on Friday. The Tigers and Eagles are tied for second place right now at 4-1 in league, but the winner will join St. Joseph on top of the standings.

Arroyo Grande is riding a three game winning streak, while San Luis Obispo has won four straight. Last year the Eagles beat the Tigers in the regular season finale for the Pac 7 championship. "We're battling for a share of the league championship. Whenever that's at stake you know it's a contest that's going to be hard fought," said AG head coach Tom Goossen.

"If you can set up rivalry week you can't set it up any better. It's senior night for our seniors that have been in this program now for four years. It's a chance for a share of the league title. It's everything you can dream about as far as Friday night football," said David Kelley, the head coach of the Tigers.

San Luis Obispo seniors have never beaten Arroyo Grande at the varsity level. "A league championship is something I've wanted for the last three years, every year I've been on varsity. Last year we came really close but just weren't able to surpass AG but hopefully this year it's our time to shine," said Jack Ferguson, the Tigers' star lilnebacker.

Both sides acknowledge this game has special significance based on how close the schools are and the years of competition. Both sides also respect the other. "They have so many weapons. They spread out the field on you offensively and when you miss a tackle their hitting it with a touchdown," said Goossen.

"They're disciplined, they play hard football, they're well coached, they have good athletes. Just all around a very good football team," added Kelley.

Kick off is set for 7:00pm on Friday, the winner might earn a first round home playoff game.

Because St. Joseph beat the Tigers and Eagles in the regular season, the Knights own the tiebreaker and are guaranteed the league's top seed for CIF.