Friends v. Foes: Wheaton Warrenville South/Wheaton North 2008

What gives me the right to place two Chicago suburb high school football teams (Wheaton-Warrenville South Tigers and Wheaton North Falcons) among some of the greatest rivalries in the history of the game?

Maybe it’s the fact that both schools have harbored dominating dynasties in Illinois football history. South has put up five state titles since the early 90’s under coaches John Thorne and Ron Muhitch. Wheaton North controlled the 80’s under Coach Rex.

If the impressive history doesn’t do it, there’s the current coaching dynamic. New head coach, Joe Wardynski, and offensive coordinator, Dan Korntheuer left to coach at North. Both were key components of South’s coaching staff last year.

Like any other great rivalry, the fans are definitely a part of the equation. Whether you are a fan of football or not, it is arguably an expectation as a member of the community to show your face along with thousands of others at the cross-town match-up each year. To some, the game can make or break the season.

Oh. And if you are from around here, you know not to wear black and orange with blue and gold. Ever.

So why should it qualify? There’s history. Just enough bad blood to keep it classy. And bragging rights are always on the line. But isn’t that true of virtually all rivalries?

There’s one aspect that exists in Wheaton football alone: the athletes. These kids grew up playing side by side on the same youth football teams. They eat at the same restaurants, hang out at the same places. To get right to it, they know each other, well. In fact many of them are friends. But one Friday out of the year, that all changes. On that Friday, they are forced to put their friendships on hold and their reputations on the line.