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All on line for Oneida-Oz

Though Wartburg will ultimately play a role in deciding who goes to the playoffs in District 4-A, tomorrow’s (Friday) showdown between Oneida and Oliver Springs at Dr. M.E. Thompson Field could wind up determining the district championship.

The Indians (4-2, 2-0) and Bobcats (5-1, 3-0) are the only remaining undefeateds in District 4. The difference is that Oneida has already faced an improving Wartburg team, defeating the Bulldogs 29-6 on Sept. 11. Oliver Springs will travel to Wartburg on Oct. 23. Meanwhile, Oneida can guarantee itself a playoff berth with a win this week, and will have an almost insurmountable lead in the district standings.

Many penciled in this week’s Oneida-Oliver Springs matchup in the preseason as the possible determining game in District 4. To date, neither team has disappointed. Oneida has won three straight after narrow defeats at Gatlinburg-Pittman and DeKalb County. Oliver Springs’ lone setback was a 40-21 setback to Grundy County, and the Bobcats looked especially impressive in a 48-2 win over Coalfield on Sept. 18.

Oliver Springs enters tomorrow’s game averaging 37 points per game on offense, while giving up 15 points per game. Oneida is averaging 29 points and giving up 11.5 points per game.

Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m.

SCOTT HIGH, meanwhile, will step outside the district when it hosts Cannon County at Highlander Field tomorrow (Friday).

The Woodbury-based Lions are 4-3 overall but have been impressive in 2009, scoring wins over York Institute (20-14) and, most recently, Livingston Academy (22-7).

Cannon County’s defeats have come at the hands of Spring Hill (42-14), DeKalb County (35-26) and DCA (21-6).

The Highlanders enter tomorrow’s game looking to snap a two-game losing skid. Scott is 2-1 against non-district opponents this year, the only loss being a 24-21 overtime setback against York.

This week’s game is the first game at Highlander Field since Sept. 4, and will kick off a three-game homestand.