ELYRIA — It’s time to play.

All the hoopla, all the pregame talk, all the hype is over.

It’s time to put on the pads and play. Tonight, Ely Stadium is Elyria’s big stage. The little guys — Elyria Catholic — take on the big guys — Elyria High — for city bragging rights. Game time is 7 p.m. in front of a crowd of upward of 5,000 fans with thousands more watching on FS Ohio. Elyria High’s Demetrius Walton might have said it best.

“We know we represent everyone who’s played before us,” he said.

That statement could be echoed on both sides.

Everyone who takes the field tonight understands the magnitude of the event. It’s the first time the two schools have met on the football field and if Wednesday’s freshman game is any indication, it promises to be a dandy.

Elyria Catholic’s frosh converted a fourth-and-long from deep in their own territory with just over two min­utes to play and ended up scoring in the last 36 seconds of the game to pull out a dramatic 21-20 victory at K of C field.

“We’re ready to play,” EC quarter­back Danny Reaser said.

“We’re ready to go,” Elyria High’s Chase Farris agreed.

It could come down to the passing attack of Elyria Catholic vs. the size advantage on the front lines of Elyria High.

“I think it’ll be a great ballgame,” said Amherst coach Kevin Fell, whose Comets scrimmaged Elyria Catholic and opened the season with a 27-20 win over Elyria. “You could make a case for both sides.”

Both coaches have been careful not to give out any bulletin board material but both are obviously excited about the first game for the schools.

“I’ve come away with a lot of respect for E-High,” Elyria Catholic’s Ben Malbasa said. “It’s going to be a great event for both schools and the city.”

“In our conference, we don’t play anybody local,” Elyria High’s Steve Hamilton said. “You really can’t build up rivalries. These are kids you’re going to see all year. You’re going to go anywhere in Elyria and be able to see them. You want to have bragging rights.”

The excitement has even trickled down to the booster clubs.

“I have a little wager with (Kevin) Brubaker,” said Matt St. Marie, president of EC’s booster club. “Brubaker’s the president of the Pioneer Club and whoever wins, the other guy has to wear their school’s colors down at Smitty’s for lunch on Friday. I don’t want to wear red.”

The Internet and e-mail bantering along with the friendly jabs at the local watering holes have all escalated the past few weeks in anticipation.

“It’s historic,” Malbasa said. “To be a part of this is really, really special.”

Tonight

• Who: Elyria (1-1) vs. Elyria Catholic (2-0)
• Time: 7 o’clock WHERE: Ely Stadium
• Series: First meeting
• TV/radio: FS Ohio; WEOL 930-AM, WOBL 1320-AM

Contact Tim Gebhardt at 329-7135 or ctsports@chroniclet.com.

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