TOLONO, Ill. (WCIA) — Growing up in the Illini Prairie Conference means knowing just how much a rivalry like Unity and St. Joseph-Ogden means.

“Facing them is a big deal for us players, having competed against them throughout our upbringing and now knowing many of them personally,” shared senior defensive end Coleton Langendorf. “It’s also hugely significant for this community.”

First-year Unity head coach Tony Reetz knows the matchup all too well after two decades on the Rockets staff before taking the reins.

“We got a lot of respect for them over there,” said Reetz. “They won a lot of games, just like we won a lot of games here.”

The Rockets had a tough test in week 3, a battle against Bloomington Central Catholic that handed Unity its first loss.

“I believe we’ve become somewhat complacent, letting the hype and media attention get to us, assuming we could simply appear and triumph in games without giving our all in practice,” stated senior quarterback Dane Eisenmenger. “This serves as a truly humbling experience.”

Unity and St. Joseph-Ogden will meet in the WCIA Week 4 Spotlight Game of the Week on Friday, September 26 at 7 p.m., hosted by the Spartans.