Crystal Lake South and Prairie Ridge are accustomed to fighting for division titles, state rankings and higher playoff seeds in football.

The Gators (2-3 overall, 1-2 Fox Valley Conference Valley Division) have been to the playoffs 11 consecutive seasons, currently the best string in the area. Prairie Ridge (2-3, 0-2) won last year’s Class 6A state championship and has played in three straight semifinals, something no other FVC team has done.

Tonight these teams are battling for their playoff lives.  The winner will be .500 with three games to play and see hope. The loser will have no margin for error and not only have to win out, but hope for help from other teams.