PADUCAH — As if the first high school football game of the season wasn't enough to get excited about, local bragging rights are on the line right from the start as the Purple Flash of Lone Oak play the Blue Tornado of Paducah Tilghman Friday.

The two teams have become real football powerhouses yet they haven't played in almost a decade.

The crosstown showdown is the hottest ticket in town. Over 4,000 tickets have been sold and a playoff atmosphere is expected.

"We're expecting a big crowd and we're expecting a lot of blue and white and a lot of school spirit," said Tilghman teacher Ashley Adkins. "We're really excited."

A pep rally this afternoon got the Tilghman faithful geared up and ready to go.

The showdown has led to a town divided. Even grocery stores are getting in the act by supporting their local teams.

In the hallways at Tilghman, students were decked out for Blue and White Day and a couple of Blue Tornado fans had a bold prediction about the game.

"Tilghman's definitely winning. We're ready for it," said Breck Severns.

"History repeats itself: 25-0," Ngodoo Itiavkse said.

"26-0 tonight," Severns interjected.

But across town, the Purple Flash are ready to turn that record upside down.

"Don't ask me about scores, just Lone Oak's gonna win." said one fan.

Purple Flash supporters packed John Robinson Arena for their own pep rally Friday afternoon and students there had strong feelings about the matchup.

"It's a big game. The best of the best," one Lone Oak student said.

"It's not a rivalry. It's personal," said another.

Regardless of which side you're on, the game is sure to be exciting.

"Can't wait. That's all I can say is 'I can't wait,'" Itiavkse said.

Well, the wait is almost over. There's already a big tailgate party going on and gates open at 6 p.m. If you can't make it out here to the game, you can catch all the action live on our Retro TV Channel 6.2.

We'll have highlights of the game and all the latest scores on Gridiron Glory on Local 6 at 10 p.m.