Bridge of Sportsmanship Game About More than Rivalry This Year

The annual "Bridge of Sportsmanship" football game between Eastmont and Wenatchee, formerly known as the "Battle of the Bridges", is Thursday night. This year, like last year, the winning team could claim the league title, something Wildcat coach Michael Don says gives it a little more gusto.

"Everytime you play a rivalry game it means a lot to the kids, but when you add in the fact that this is for a league title, this is for an opportunity to play in the state tournament and both teams are really good football teams; it really brings a lot more to the table, both for the community and the kids."

Wenatchee coach Scott Devereaux says they prepare for each game the same with no added emphasis, but this is one of the most challenging games to do that.

"The kids have a hard time. They always want to look ahead on the schedule. Of course they know a lot of the guys that play at Eastmont by name and they've grown up with them. So you just do the best you can as a coach. Try and get them in the right mindset and get a few great days of practice and go play. And what happens, happens."

If Wenatchee wins, they win the league title and move on to state with Sunnyside as the 2nd place team in the league that would go on to state. If Eastmont wins, they win the league outright if Sunnyside loses to Moses Lake. If Sunnyside wins there would be a three-team tiebreaker playoff Saturday.

Devereaux says Eastmont is a run-heavy team and Wenatchee has to stop the run game to win.

"[For us] Offensively, their defense has been really solid all year against the run and the pass. They're pretty balanced. They don't give you a lot so you have to go out there and earn it. For us to be effective, we need to take what they give us and hopefully break a few plays here and there."

Don says while the game is in East Wenatchee, there is not much of a home field advantage.

"I think the key is going to be to take care of the football, control the clock and limit big plays by Wenatchee. They've gotten a lot of big plays this year, they've got a lot of dynamic playmakers. We have to keep those kids in check."

The Bridge of Sportsmanship game kicks off at 7:00 pm at Wildcat Stadium. Arrive early for the best seats and parking.