The WarCat Trophy is on the line tonight as #5 (4A) Norwalk plays host to Carlisle in the annual battle for supremacy along the Highway 5 bypass. The Warriors will look to maintain control of District 5, entering this rivalry contest 3-0 in district play. Head Coach Paul Patterson says his team is eager to bring the trophy home.

“It’s not here. They thumped us last year in Week 1 and got to take it home with them. It’s a big deal. It’s Warren County. It’s a longer rivalry as far as when we started playing in the mid-2000’s. Again, one more time, it’s our only trophy game of the year.”

Despite the Wildcats entering 3-4 overall and standing in the lower half of the district at 1-2, it will be no easy task. Carlisle runs a triple option offense, which Patterson says is tough to prepare for because it’s the only time they face it. Norwalk leads the all-time series 11-9-1, but each team has won eight times since the series resumed in 2006. The Wildcats won last year’s meeting 45-14 on their home field, but have not won in Norwalk since 2007.

Tonight’s game will air on KNIA3 with Jon Mohwinkle and Chris Larson calling the action. Pregame coverage begins at 6:30, with the opening kickoff from Mineart Field scheduled for 7:30.