What is it about Hazen and Dickinson Trinity that makes for such a grueling rivalry?
"We're always butting heads," Trinity football coach Randy Gordon said. "We always compete with them for a regional title in some sport."
Gordon speaks the truth. Last year, it was nothing short of spectacular in most sports.
In football, the Bison topped Trinity 14-0 in the regular season, only to watch the Titans come back and beat them 28-7 in the state semifinals.
If that wasn't enough to spark these two teams, the fact that they met in last year's boys basketball district and region championships ought to be enough.
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"It's a good, friendly respect," Gordon said. "We get along pretty well."
The 2007 football season gets its first look at this intriguing matchup when Hazen (4-1) hosts to Trinity (3-2) on Friday.
The Titans are coming off a 30-20 road victory over Beulah while Hazen is fresh off blasting defending Class AA state champion Watford City 41-14.
According to Gordon, Hazen's speed was most likely the culprit in catching Watford City off guard.
"I think what's scary about them is their speed," Gordon said. "It's something Watford (City) probably didn't handle. We've got to control their speed."
Hazen is led by senior quarterback Jacob Erhardt, who was an all-state defensive back last season. The Bison boast a powerful running game as well with first-team all-state tailback Brian Sorensen getting the bulk of the carries.
"They're more run-oriented than anything, but they do line up in a shotgun (sometimes)," Gordon said. "Their quarterback is a senior. He's an excellent athlete. He can get out and throw it."
Trinity looks to counter that with a full squad. The Titans have suffered through injuries this season and, with the exception of a couple of second-string kids out, will now get to see what their starting squad is made of.
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"We're getting a little more of a team identity," Gordon said. "Everybody is understanding the roll everybody else plays. They're starting to mature a little bit.
"At the beginning of the season, we had some kids who were pretty green. They're starting to get comfortable. They're a little more sure of themselves."
