This Friday, the long awaited football rivalry between Kalamazoo Central and Loy Norrix will continue. This season, the Norrix football team has won three games and lost five. On Friday, the final game of the season, Norrix hopes to pull off a win against Central, who have won five games this season and lost three.

Loy Norrix last beat Kalamazoo Central in 2022. However, they were close to taking the victory last year.

“The atmosphere was crazy when we won that year, we all got trophies and there was a parade,” said senior right guard Nayshawn Arnold.

Loy Norrix’s Griffith Stadium holds around 3,000 people, and Friday’s game is expected to fill every seat. Loy Norrix’s enthusiastic student section looks forward to bringing their all to cheer on the home team and disrupt KC.

“It’s very fun to lead the student section, and when our team is winning, it gets exciting,” said senior student section leader Sam Gagie. “I think we’ll have more fans and hopefully everyone gets loud and cheers on the team.”

Loy Norrix and Kalamazoo Central both have strong conference (local division) records with Norrix being 2-1 and Central being undefeated in conference play. While Central has a stronger record, Norrix will have the home-field advantage.

“I love the student section, they are very hype and provide lots of energy. We’ll definitely have a home field advantage,¨ said sophomore Carter Tuthill.

Norrix will rely heavily on junior Jakari Lipsey, a star lineman who has been a strong force on offense and defense. Lipsey helps protect senior quarterback Jonovan Hare, a field general who gets yards in the air and on the ground. The team also consists of multiple talented running backs who carry the ball downfield, and a strong group of wide receivers who catch Hare’s throws.

“We’re going to beat them with the run game on Friday; it’s going to be a great game,” said sophomore running back Cameren Fuller.

The atmosphere is tense, and the student body is bubbling over in anticipation of the season finale.