Who you got? Hoggard or New Hanover tonight?

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — You know what they say about last year. Last year was last year, but it still needs to be mentioned. New Hanover beat Hoggard 30 to 13 last season. That showdown was played at Legion Stadium. Hoggard will have home field advantage this go round. This rivalry is nearly 50 years old. Earl Smith is the Wildcats head coach. “You don’t have to do a lot of motivating for this week,” Smith told WWAY. “I am sure it’s the same way over on Shipyard. You throw out the old record book and you know it will be a great effort by both teams.”

“The New Hanover-Hoggard rivalry is one of the best in the state,” Hoggard head coach Craig Underwood said. “Certainly a different intensity goes into the week of practice.”

Both Hoggard and New Hanover sport losing records, but that’s a bit deceptive. They have both played really tough schedules. Regardless, the winner on Friday night will be in the driver’s seat to, once again, win the Mideastern Conference. “I have been in this game as a player and as a coach,” Earl Smith said. “It is special and it’s about the players. You’re going to see these guys for the rest of your life and to be able to say you got that victory is a big one.”

Look for Blake Walston to get the start at quarterback for New Hanover. He’s been taking turns with Francis Meehan for most of the season, but Meehan is not as healthy as he would like. “Meehan had an ankle turn and it’s day to day.” Josh Jones will get the starting nod at quarteback for Hoggard. It should be a good one on Friday and the 5th Quarter has you covered. In fact former 5th Quarter analyst Trot Nixon will return to the 5th Quarter studio on Friday to break down the Hoggard-New Hanover showdown and the other games we’ll be showing as well.

Note: 7pm start for New Hanover at Hoggard at Scott Braswell Stadium