SWEET WATER &8212; Today two of the top programs in the state face off in a game that has garnered much attention by high school football enthusiasts.

Sweet Water and Thomasville high schools, two teams separated by less than 20 miles and a county line, will face off tonight in a televised game to see which of the two rivals walks away with bragging rights. Sweet Water High School enters their first game ranked No. 1 in 1A, while Thomasville High School enters their first ranked No. 2 in 4A.

Both teams have a lot on the line, as Tiger head coach Jack Hankins noted when talking about getting his team up for the game:

While the game isn&8217;t crucial to either group making the post season for a run to Legion Field, it is a test for both groups early to face some of the toughest competition they will see all season. Both coaches know they are heading into a match up against a tough group and good coaching.

Hankins is likewise respectful of his opponent, who won the 1A state championship last year.

Luker said his team is focusing on several aspects of the Tigers&8217; team in preparation for the game. He said containing speed and stressing positive first and third downs are big things at which his team has looked. He said his team will stick to its philosophy of &8220;run right at them and play good defense,&8221; which has sustained the group since he has coached at the school.

Hankins said the Tigers, like the Bulldogs, have to worry about their opponent&8217;s speed threat. He said he is expecting Sweet Water High School to bring the same threats to the table they do every year.