By Jacob Heid

STEVENS POINT — The Ol’ River Jug has been in the hands of both SPASH and Wisconsin Rapids Lincoln for countless years. The annual trophy tradition started 75 years ago, in 1947 when the winner of the football game between Rapids and SPASH got to hold onto the trophy until they met again the following year. Three-quarters of a century later, the two teams will clash on the gridiron for the 109th time, this time at Lincoln High School in Wisconsin Rapids on Sept 9.

A game like what people will see on Friday evening is circled on the calendar every year. Stevens Point beat Rapids 24-6 a season ago and will play this year to defend the Jug. New SPASH head coach Ryan Eigenberger talks about the message for the week with it being a storied game. 

“This week, our message has been about what the Jug means to the school and the community,” he said. “We want to keep the Jug at SPASH as a representation of the hard work and dedication of not only our great players but of the alumni community, as well.”

Season records don’t mean much once the lights come on and the game starts. The only focus is the next 48 minutes of high-energy football against your biggest rival. 

“Games like this are always the game when records are thrown out and it’s just about the battle on Friday night between two quality teams,” Eigenberger stated.

Eigenberger is coaching in his first Jug game, but he says rivalries are nothing new for him. 

“Growing up in Sheboygan, the Sheboygan North vs. Sheboygan South rivalry is similar.” 

Not only is the game on Friday night important, but the whole week of practice will prepare the players for what’s to come under the lights. Eigenberger also said older players are helping prepare the team. 

“There has been a buzz at practice all week. Even as school started, our players have been incredibly focused and have maintained a high energy level each day,” he said. “It’s been awesome to see that growth in our group. While we have players who were on the team last year, not many played significant minutes. The ones that did are helping prepare the entire squad.”

The way teams practice might change for a game of this magnitude, but the Panthers aren’t going to change much when it comes to preparation. 

“Same level of practice. I hate the idea of ‘hey we’re going to practice harder because it’s Rapids,’’ Eigenberger explained. “Every week is important in high school football. Every week our focus is on going 1-0.”

Everything will be left on the field between these two schools. SPASH holds a 42-31 edge since the Jug came to life. Stevens Point enters the game 1-2 (1-0), while Rapids is 1-2 (0-1).

If you want live updates on Friday from Rapids, follow me on Twitter at JacobHeid_15.