The Nine Mile War will commence Friday night as the Zephyrhills Bulldogs host the Pasco Pirates at Bulldog Stadium with a 7:30 p.m.
The Backyard Rivalry, one of the longest and heated in the state, looks to favor the 8-1 Bulldogs over the 0-9 Pirates, but nothing is a lock when the two teams collide.
Prior to kickoff, ZHS will honor the seniors of the football team, cheerleading squad and band.
The Bulldogs sit as the top seed in the Class 5A-Region 3 rankings after claiming the district title. Winning the district gives the Bulldogs a home playoff game in the first round. Having the top seed after next week’s RPI rankings could assure Zephyrhills at least two home playoff games, possibly homefield advantage leading up tot he state semifinals.
Clearwater currently sits at No. 2 in the region with Sebring third and Chamberlin fourth. District foes Wesley Chapel and Nature Coast are fifth and sixth respectively.