After a big district win in Grand Island last Friday, the Warriors will have to travel less to take on another district opponent. Today the Warriors will take on the Burke Bulldogs in a throwback to an old-school rivalry.

The Warriors come into the matchup ranked No. 8 with a record of 3-2 and a 3-0 record in district play. However, both of the Warrior losses come from teams ranked in the top six of the rankings. The Burke Bulldogs come into the game with an 0-5 record and not rated by the Omaha World Herald. Burke is 0-3 in the same district.

Burke comes into the matchup with an imposing defense, but an offense that has struggled to produce. The team has only scored 36 points over its five games this season. Westside on the other hand has scored 140 points on the year. It may seem like the Warriors have the upper hand in the matchup, but the Westside coaches are not sleeping on the Bulldogs.

“It’s Burke and it’s a district game,” Head coach Brett Froendt said. “They are physical and they have almost been in every game. They’re a tough team even though they have not had on offense. Defensively they are a very physical, tough team. It’s going to be a battle on that side of the ball.”

With a win, Westside would improve to 4-0 in district play.

“[A win] would mean we’re in the playoffs,” Froendt said. “Of course it would help confidence and momentum. We have a lot of tough opponents coming up, and it’s our opportunity to lock up a playoff berth.”

The Warriors will get some help back this week as well. Senior Drew Combs has been cleared to play, which will pick up the offense and defense according to Froendt.

The game will be played at Burke High School at 7 p.m. tonight. If you cannot make the game, make sure to follow @westsidewired on twitter for all the updates. We will not have a live stream of the game.

The theme for the game is “Redout.” The Red Shield will not be tailgating before this game. It is preparing for a special tailgate before the Homecoming game against Columbus next week.