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StumbleuponTroy-Piqua rivalry gets fresh coat of paint
Trojans, Indians will meet for the 124th time on Friday night.
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
TROY — Troy High School's football players want to end Piqua's bid for the playoffs.
Piqua High School's football players want to avenge last year's loss to Troy in one of Ohio's oldest rivalries.
Both the Troy and Piqua communities — with freshly painted school colors decorating their downtowns — want bragging rights for another year.
And the coaches? They just want to win a football game.
"Honestly, I don't care about it," Troy coach Steve Nolan said of possibly wrecking Piqua's postseason aspirations. "The biggest thing I've always done is try to win the league. ... If Piqua is fighting for the playoffs good for them."
Troy (4-4) and Piqua (5-3) play for the 124th time in this passionate Miami County rivalry on Friday, Oct. 17, at Piqua's Alexander Stadium.
The Indians lead the series 59-58-6 after the Trojans won last season, 36-35, in the final seconds.
"I think it's that Piqua vs. Troy rivalry that brings out the best in us," Nolan said. "We'll hope that's what happens this week."
Troy (1-1 Greater Western Ohio Conference North Division) still has a chance to catch Trotwood-Madison (3-0 GWOC) for the league title.
Piqua (1-2) is likely out of the GWOC title chase. But the Indians enter No. 9 in the Division II, Region 6 computer points, one spot out of the final playoff spot.
Quarterbacks could be the key in this one.
Piqua's Cole Selsor has thrown for 1,034 yards — including 473 yards in his past two games — in his first year as a starter.
Troy's Tyler Wright enters with 923 yards and could become the first Trojans quarterback to surpass 1,000 yards since 1985.
"You might see a different kind of game this time. It's not going to be a grind-it-out defensive struggle," Nolan said. "I wouldn't expect that. It's going to be amazing to see what happens in this game."
Contact this reporter at (937) 225-2400, ext. 6991 or gbilling@DaytonDailyNews.com.
Rivalry renewed
What: Troy vs. Piqua (124th meeting)
When: 7:30 p.m. Friday
Where: Alexander Stadium, Piqua
Series: Piqua leads, 59-58-6
Last five games
2003 Piqua 10, Troy 3
2004 Troy 30, Piqua 7
2005 Piqua 13, Troy 12
2006 Piqua 42, Troy 7
2007 Troy 36, Piqua 35
