The spirit of competitive football returns to Cruiser Stadium on Friday, August 29 as the team faces off against long-time rival Canal Winchester.

Football fans are sure to pack the stadium to watch this rivalry game that hasn’t been played in over 50 years.

Kick off at 7:30 p.m. starts with a traditional coin toss involving Groveport Mayor Lance Westcamp and Canal Winchester Mayor Mike Ebert. The winning team will be presented with the Ohio & Erie Canal Cup, a traveling trophy that will be engraved with this year’s winning score. The winning team’s mayor will hold on to this trophy for a year until the teams reunite next season.

In the spirit of friendly competition, both district superintendents have agreed upon a side bet on the game. The bet requires the losing team’s superintendent to wear the winning team’s jersey for day.

Several events will be taking place before the game and during halftime. On Thursday, August 28, students will be painting the spirit rocks. In addition, the Groveport Madison Education Association will be hosting a cookout for the community on the softball infield from 5-6 p.m. prior to the game on Friday. This event was scheduled in appreciation of the community’s support in passing of the May levy.

The student section is planning to meet before the game to paint themselves black and red in support of the team. Students are asking all Cruiser fans to participate by dressing in black for the occasion.

Prior to game start, all football and cheerleading members of the GYAA and GMYAA youth sports organizations will walk across the field to be recognized. Halftime activities will highlight the Cruiser Marching Band.

Come out. Enjoy the season opener and show your Cruiser Pride!