ELYRIA — The choices are Kevin Brubaker in an Elyria Catholic cheer­leading outfit or Matt St. Marie in Elyria High School girls’ volleyball shorts and a wrestling singlet.

That’s because more than just grid­iron glory rides on today’s football game between EC and EHS.

Brubaker, a true-blue Pioneer fan, and St. Marie, a diehard Panthers fan, have a friendly bet that’ll result in public humiliation riding on the game that won’t be decided until the scoreboard clock ticks down to zero.

That’s the moment when Brubaker, a 1985 graduate of Elyria High, and St. Marie, a 1983 alum of Elyria Catholic, will learn what team will be victorious and which will be the loser. “I’m not scared of us losing,” Brubaker said. “I don’t think for a minute we are going to lose. I know EC has some talent, but I like my Pioneers.”

Brubaker, who also is the president of the Pioneers Booster Club, said he has so much faith in Elyria, he never thought of backing away from a bet with St. Marie, who is president of the Panthers Booster Club.

“My blood bleeds Pioneer red through and through,” Brubaker said. “I can’t wait until Friday because Matt is going to stand outside of Smitty’s 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. wearing what I pick out, and I am thinking EHS girls’ volleyball shorts, a wrestling singlet and an EHS Pioneer Marching Band hat.”

Not so fast, St. Marie says.

The Pioneers have a better chance of beating his beloved Panthers than of him standing outside of Smitty’s in teeny, tiny shorts.

“I will not be wearing volleyball shorts either way,” he said. “And, really I don’t know if the clothing thing will work because I can’t find an extra-large cheerleading uniform for Kevin.”

Nonetheless, both said a sandwich board touting the athletic prowess of the other team will be worn by the loser come Friday.

Beyond the laughs that seeing either wearing a silly outfit or a message of shame will inevitably produce, both agree the game is good fun for the city.

“The whole community is super excited and totally behind the spirit of this game,” St. Marie said.

“It’s taking on a life of its own,” added Brubaker. “This will be a great morale booster for the city.”

The idea for the St. Marie/Brubaker bet started several days ago at Smitty’s.

St. Marie is naturally going with his Panthers with his prediction.

“It will be 27-14 Elyria Catholic,” St. Marie said. “Our prolific offense will be very hard for Elyria High to stop. Their best defense will be keeping the offense off the field.”

“I disagree,” Brubaker said. “My Pioneers will win this, and our band will kick their band’s butt, too.”

Even the serious moments in the city are being overshadowed by football fever.

The Elyria City Council meeting was relatively uneventful — until the very end.

That’s when Councilman Tom Callahan, D-at large, told fellow members he was upset they had blatantly ignored a pivotal moment in Elyria history.

All eyes were on Callahan as members tried to figure out what miscarriage of justice was being overlooked by the city’s elected leaders. After a pause for dramatic effect, Callahan finally spoke up.

“On Thursday, history is going to be made in this city when Elyria High and Elyria Catholic face off for the first time in history,’’ he said. “And I want every Council member to go on record with their prediction about who they think will win.’’

Callahan, a 1978 graduate of Elyria Catholic, is rooting for his alma mater.

Despite his prodding, publicly choosing sides in what is shaping up to be the biggest football game of the season wasn’t on anyone’s agenda.

“I predict it will be a great game,’’ Mayor and Elyria High School alum Bill Grace said. Other Council members chimed in with likewise ambiguous statements.

“I think Elyria will win, and that is all I’m going to say,’’ said Councilwoman and Elyria Catholic graduate Mary Siwierka, D-at large. The excitement continued long after the meeting ended. In the hallway, Callahan pushed Council members to take him on in a friendly wager on the game.

Only Councilman Garry Gibbs, R-3rd Ward, a former Pioneer, stepped up to the challenge. The loser will buy lunch.

Contact Lisa Roberson at 329-7121 or lroberson@chroniclet.com.

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