Sep 16, 2016 By Bill Hughes for The 3 min read

To say that Friday’s Big Nine Conference contest between Belle Vernon and Ringgold at Joe Montana Stadium is huge would be an understatement.

Both coaches, Ringgold’s Nick Milkovich and BVA’s Matt Humbert, know that this game is important in more than one way.

“This game is big for a number of reasons as the winner stays alive for a conference championship,” Milkovich said. “It is also for playoff positioning, and it is always great to beat your rival.”

“Proximity and historically it is a big rivalry game for us and them,” Humbert said. “We are all chasing the conference championship and this is a game that could give either team a leg up on it.”

Rivals for decades, the Leopards and Rams have played narrow contests the last two seasons with the home team pulling out close wins.

Last season, Belle Vernon won 13-12 and in 2014, Ringgold held serve, 28-24.

Milkovich and Humbert say another close game is very possible.

“This may sound cliché, but whoever blocks, tackles, and wins the turnover battle will win the game,” said Milkovich. “The past two years have been filled with mistakes, and it was to our advantage in 2014 and to their benefit last year.

“It will be close again and whoever limits their mistakes and plays better fundamental football will place themselves in position to win the football game.”

Humbert, who was head coach at Ringgold before taking over at Belle Vernon, shared his thoughts.

“Offensively, we need to make sure that we avoid penalties and be smart with the football,” he said. “Defensively, we need to make sure we are disciplined with alignments and assignments.

“The turnover battle will be key.”

Both teams are 2-0 in conference play with the Leopards outscoring their opponents, 88-14, with Ringgold holding an 84-34 advantage.

The teams are tied in the standings with Thomas Jefferson and West Mifflin, all coming in at 1-0 in the conference.

While Ringgold quarterback George Martin has done what has been asked, going 15-of-24 in the air for 202 yards and three scores, Brenden Martin has rushed 33 times for 426 yards, fifth-best in the WPIAL despite playing in just two games, and six touchdowns.

Max Maciejewksi leads the Rams with nine catches for 118 yards and two scores, while Dalton Holt has six catches for 62 yards and a score.

The Leopards’ Mike Fine is 11-of-22 for 152 yards and three interceptions, while rushing for 117 yards and five touchdowns on 13 carries.

Derek Cesovski has 169 yards on nine carries, and Nick Hall has 116 yards and three touchdowns on 14 carries.

Both coaches speak highly of the other team.

“I am impressed with the strength of their offensive positions,” Humbert said. “There are not many deficiencies from the line to the backfield to the receivers, and both Martin and Small are obviously very talented and tough football players.

“This might be their best line group with the kids up front, they have many options to choose from and all of them are capable of making big plays.”

Milkovich is impressed with Belle Vernon’s physicality.

“They are a very physical team, not only on their lines, but in their skill positions as well,” he said. “Their linebackers are great players who run to the ball and make plays, and I have a lot of respect for their coaching staff.

“I am looking forward to the game, and simply put, this is what high school football on Friday night is all about.”