Due to a scheduling quirk in Eastern Class C, the Waterville-Winslow Battle of the Bridge is a week early this season. That doesn’t mean the game is any less intense, however.

Both teams enter Saturday’s game at 6-0. Waterville has won each game by at least 22 points. Winslow has had similar results. The Black Raiders have played just one close game, last week’s 26-25 come from behind win at Foxcroft Academy.

Additional Images

Waterville Senior High School’s Dalton Denis (22) right, celebrates with teammate Troy Gurski (33) after his touchdown catch to win the Battle of the Bridge against Winslow High School last year in Waterville. The two teams meet Saturday at Poulin Field in Winslow Staff file photo by Michael G. Seamans

Waterville (6-0) at Winslow (6-0)

When: 1 p.m. Saturday

Where: Poulin Field, Winslow

Last season: Waterville 25, Winslow 20, regular season; Winslow 49, Waterville 18, regional final

“We told our players, Foxcroft had a chance to go number one. We weren’t looking ahead to Waterville, either. It was a real tough game, and we were ready to play. We didn’t take them lightly,” Winslow coach Mike Siviski said.

The winner of the 2014 Battle of the Bridge is likely going to be the number one seed when the regional playoffs start in a couple weeks. Here’s a look at the rivals:

Waterville players to watch: C/DT Ben Cox, G/LB Alex Danner, RB Cam Thomas, RB Dan Pooler, T/DT Corey Huerfano, QB AJ Godin.

Winslow players to watch: RB/K Dylan Hapworth, QB Bobby Chenard, OL/DL Evan Gammon, WR/LB Justin Martin, DE Luke Fredette, OL/LB Alec Clark.

Waterville coach Matt Gilley on Winslow: “They’re a really aggressive team. What they lack in size they make up in heart and determination. You know they’re going to be swarming to the football. If we’re not blocking to the whistle, if we’re not carrying out our fakes, we’re going to play right into their hands.”

Winslow coach Mike Siviski on Waterville: “They’ve been running over everybody. Their line is very good and they have a bunch of backs taking advantage of some very nice holes. It will be a tough one.”

Three keys for Waterville:

1. Ball control. Waterville’s strong running game starts with the offensive line, and includes a handful of backs who can break big gains on any play. Gilley would rather grind out drives and keep Winslow’s explosive offense off the field.

“Keep the ball. Keep punishing. Our approach is, do what we’ve done all season. We think we’re physical enough to do that,” Gilley said.

2. Be wary of Winslow’s playmakers.

“They’ve got playmakers in Chenard, Martin, and of course, Hapworth. Everybody knows Hapworth,” Gilley said.

The Black Raiders have a number of athletes who can go for a big play at any time. Waterville has to try to account for everybody, every play.

3. Be ready for anything.

Siviski’s playbook is diverse and deep. The Black Raiders have been known to pull off a halfback pass or hitch and pitch, among other trick plays.

“It’s been said about Winslow 100 times before, they’re so well-coached that if you ease up on any angle, they’re going to exploit it,” Gilley said.

Three keys for Winslow:

1. Stop the run.

The Black Raiders gave up 295 yards on the ground to Foxcroft Academy last week, much of it between the tackles. Waterville is another strong running team, and Winslow needs to keep the Purple Panthers from building long drives.

2. Play fast. Waterville has a size advantage in this game, particularly on the line. Players like defensive end Luke Fredette need to utilize their speed to control the line of scrimmage.

3. Stay cool.

A key to pulling out last week’s come-from-behind win at Foxcroft was composure, Siviski said. The Black Raiders committed one penalty, a five yarder for encroachment, and kept their heads in their toughest game of the season.

“We like the way we were resilent. We kept our poise,” Siviski said.

Travis Lazarczyk — 861-9242

tlazarczyk@centralmaine.com

Twitter: @TLazarczykMTM

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