Strength vs. strength on tap for Sigourney-Keota, Pekin

While attempting just three passes, Sigourney-Keota rumbled through Pekin to the tune of 285 rushing yards and five touchdowns on its way to a 42-24 win in last season?s opener.

But gone is 2,000-yard rusher and touchdown machine Andrew Utterback, as well as 900-yard runner Evan Hammes, and an improved Pekin team is ready to start 2011 out right. However, don?t expect the Savage Cobras to change their game plan.

The Panthers will still be tasked with stopping a powerful running attack, which now falls on the shoulders of Mark Weachter and a traditionally stout offensive line.

Pekin may also present a tough rushing attack to stop after running for 257 of their own last year, and Quinton Garrels ? who picked up 133 of those ? is now back for his junior season. Turnovers ended up telling the tale for Pekin and must cut down on that statistic to stay within striking distance.

Garrels is one of the many reasons to believe Pekin will be a stiffer test for S-K thanks to the trial by fire as underclassmen a year ago. Graham Wittrock also went through his own growing pains as a sophomore quarterback, but is set to lead the Pekin offense once again.

The Backyard Brawl game that has become tradition to open the season is set to kick off at 7 p.m. in Packwood.