&uot;All the records are thrown out the window. This is Vidalia versus Ferriday.&uot;

The statement could be attributed to any Trojan or Viking player or coach in recent memory. This time, it was said by Vidalia quarterback Jarrett Hoffpauir about Friday’s 7 p.m match-up in Ferriday, La.

&uot;The feeling is unreal. You wouldn’t believe,&uot; he said of the crosstown and District 3-2A rivalry. &uot;The stands are always packed, everybody’s pumped up. It will be a good game.&uot;

And an important one for Vidalia. At 4-5, the Vikings are on the playoff bubble.

&uot;We have to win to have definite shot,&uot; Hoffpauir said. &uot;We play hard on Friday or we’re done.&uot;

The Trojans have it a little easier. At 8-1, Ferriday has accumulated enough points to make the post season win or lose. But losing does not sit well with the Trojans, whose first loss of the season – last week’s 22-14 defeat by McCall – cost them the district title.

&uot;This is a must-win,&uot; said Ferriday stand-out linebacker Stan Smith. &uot;But every game is a must-win, regardless of the situation.&uot;

Hoffpauir fears the Ferriday loss is a double-edged sword.

&uot;It’s good because it shows they can be beat,&uot; he said. &uot;It’s bad because they got beat for the first time. They’re going to come at us.&uot;

Ferriday coach James McFarland downplayed the fact that the regular season ends arguably with the areas greatest rivalry.

&uot;We’re focused on minimizing our mistakes,&uot; he said. &uot;We haven’t played really good football in three weeks, in my opinion. We’re focusing on getting back to where we were.

&uot;We’re trying not to focus on the rivalry.&uot;

Tell that to the players.

&uot;It’s big,&uot; Smith said. &uot;It’s Ferriday-Vidalia.&uot;