Blue Valley Tigers (3-1) vs. Blue Valley Northwest High School (2-2)
Overland Park, Kan.
Friday, Oct. 4, 2013 at 7 p.m.

Last Week:
Blue Valley 56 – 10 Blue Valley North — The scoreline says it all. A recurring theme for over a decade, BV absolutely crushed the Mustangs from top to bottom, taking a quick lead and never looking back, rising to the third-ranked team in the state.
Blue Valley Northwest 28-21 Blue Valley West — A fourth quarter comeback attempt by West was smothered by the Huskies, who won this one at the end. The Huskies state ranking rose to 19th in the state.

Last Meeting: 2012
Blue Valley Northwest 21-14 Blue Valley: Northwest made sure Homecoming 2012 and the school’s 20th anniversary celebration would be forever remembered. BV’s offense could not crack the Huskies at the end, and Northwest held on for one of the biggest wins in school history.

What this game means:
Blue Valley — For those who were present at the DAC on Sept. 28, 2012, this game means revenge. It allows BV to tear into one of its biggest rivals at home, as well as boost its already sky-high state ranking. This game could end up being a crossroads for both teams seasons as well.

Blue Valley Northwest — Saying this is a must-win for the Huskies is a major understatement. Before last week’s victory, Northwest was demolished by Gardner and Bishop Miege by a combined score of 94-41. The road gets no easier from here, with a home game against BV Southwest, and road games at Shawnee Mission South and Olathe East.

Blue Valley will win if: They play the style of BV football — scoring early often, exploiting defensive weaknesses and throwing the football. That also includes avoiding turnovers and missed scoring opportunities. BV must come away with points every time the team enters the redzone.

Blue Valley will lose if: They play allow an underdog Northwest team to hang around. If BV allows the Huskies to play their game, their confidence and momentum will build. Turnovers and broken plays tanked BV at home against Bishop Miege, and no player or fan would ever want to play a game like that again. Northwest is no pushover, and will welcome any gift they receive with open arms.

Prediction: Homecoming has arrived, and the crowd will be resembling a playoff atmosphere. Winning the Homecoming game is a must, and BV will be looking to take out a rival, as well as avenge last year’s painful loss. If the Tigers come out hungry, score early and maintain momentum, they will win this one comfortably.

Final Score Prediction: Blue Valley 34 -17 Blue Valley Northwest