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Although Friday night's matchup already has all the ingredients for a memorable night of football, L.C. has a special incentive that should add even more flavor to the mix.
It has been 12 years since the Titans left the field with a victory over Harlan. In 1996, a last-second touchdown pass from L.C. quarterback Eric Elam to Doug Kinsel wrapped up a 25-24 Titan win.
Last season Harlan dominated L.C., earning a 47-0 win on the Titans' home field.
But with the 2008 season seeing L.C. in the midst of a dramatic turnaround, Friday's matchup looks intriguing.
"We're working hard and getting ready for the big game," Lewis Central running back and linebacker D.J. Gnader said. "It's the District 8 title game, and it's going to be a big one.
"If we keep motivated and we keep on track, we should go up there and do some good things."
Lewis Central coach Larry Sterbick has liked what he's seen from his team in preparing for the district showdown.
"It's the same as every week," Sterbick said. "The game obviously has a little meaning. It's the District 8 title, and it'd be great if we could finish the regular season undefeated, but you've got to prepare like you do every week."
The Titan defense has plenty to prepare for. Harlan quarterback Jeff Hastert has thrown for more than 1,200 yards and 15 touchdowns this season.
Hastert's favorite receiving option has been James Cairney. With 29 receptions and nine scores, Cairney has been one of the Cyclones primary big-play threats.
The Cyclones are producing on the ground, too. Running back Reid Murtaugh has 688 yards to go along with 15 touchdowns.
"We're going to try to take a couple things away from them that they do real well," Sterbick said. "Hopefully, we'll have the energy and the speed to contain them and do the things we've been doing.
"If not, it'll be a long night."
Harlan, too, must prepare for a potent L.C. rushing attack. Fresh off a five-touchdown performance in a 45-17 victory over Winterset, Titan running back Denver Lohnes will look to maintain his outstanding production; he's rushed for at least 150 yards and scored at least three touchdowns in each of his last three games.
With the postseason guaranteed, the Titan's main priority Friday is a district championship. But beyond all that, Sterbick hopes his team realizes how enjoyable an experience the game will be.
"One of the biggest things we want our guys to understand is that we are in the playoffs and we don't have to beat anybody to get there," Sterbick said. "This is a real fun game, and a great opportunity for these young men to be in ... We're going to prepare as well as we can and we're going to go in there Friday and try to win."
EXTRA POINTS
What: Lewis Central vs. Harlan
When: Friday, 7:30
Where: Harlan
What to watch for: Lewis Central. The Titans have accomplished so much this season, and have passed every test they've taken with flying colors. A win on the road against one of the best teams in Iowa would make a statement across the state.
