Princeville, Stark County ready for clash of unbeatens Friday

PRINCEVILLE, Ill. (WMBD/WYZZ) — They may be small schools but they will play a very big high school football game on Friday.

Princeville hosts Stark County in a showdown of unbeaten class 1A teams in a game that will likely determine the Lincoln Trail-Prairieland Conference title. The teams clash in Princeville carrying six-game win streaks.

“With them being 6-0, us being 6-0, it’s our Homecoming, it’s going to be electric,” said Princeville head coach Jon Carruthers. “Our kids are ready for it. I’m sure Stark County is too.”

Both teams clinched playoff spots with their sixth victories of the season last week. They met in the second round of the playoffs last year with the Rebels winning.

“You probably can’t ask for too much more. You have two schools that are right next to each other, rivals, both undefeated,” said Stark County head coach Jade Noard. “It’s not for the conference (yet) but definitely for control of the conference. And you’re once step closer to that conference crown.”

The Rebels won the conference title last year with a 9-0 regular season. Princeville lost twice to Stark County last year.

“Our kids have had Stark County circled on the calendar,” Carruthers said. “Here it is, week 6 already.”

The game is scheduled for a 7 p.m. kickoff.

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