DANVILLE — When Danville and East Knox tangle for the Devil-Dog Trophy, you can usually throw out the records. The game between the close Mid-Buckeye Conference rivals is one for bragging rights and is almost always a dog fight right to the end.
Saturday at Danville at 7 p.m., the two teams square again with Danville looking at a return to the playoffs and the Bulldogs dreaming of an upset.
“It’s a big deal. It’s for bragging rights. With two communities this close together, it’s an important game,” said Danville coach Ed Honabarger. “Obviously, we’ve got a lot to play for. We want to come out and be sharp. If we win the game, there’s the idea of the playoffs and possibly a home game.”
“It’s the most important game of the year,” said East Knox coach Calvin Hatfield.
Danville (6-3 overall, 3-3 MBC) is coming off an impressive 33-7 victory over Utica, while the Bulldogs (1-8, 1-5) are trying to right the ship after being blasted 62-20 by undefeated Johnstown.
The Devils welcomed the return of a healthy Heath Buckingham in the win over Utica. The Danville senior set a career rushing record at the school with his 3,116th career yard.
