That didn't sprout wings until last year, when Normal West High School's football team won at Bloomington, 14-12, spoiling the Purple Raiders' homecoming.

It was the Wildcats' first win over BHS, producing a feeling West defensive end Jake McCowan said "words can't describe."

"With it on their homecoming, it couldn't have worked out better for us," McCowan said. "That was the game that showed all of our doubters out there, 'Hey, Normal West is here to play.'"

The flip side?

"It just kind of ruined the weekend," said BHS senior offensive guard Tom Niebur.

Teammate Chris Jameson is still trying to shake the loss.

"We heard about it for a long time. We still hear about it," the Raiders' senior fullback/linebacker said. "We're looking to settle the score."

The rematch is tonight at Normal West, with a playoff-type atmosphere expected for the 7 o'clock matchup of Big 12 Conference co-leaders. BHS, West, Normal Community and Champaign Centennial all are 5-1 overall and in the conference.

The Wildcats snapped the Raiders' 49-game regular-season win streak last year en route to a share of their first Big 12 title (with BHS).

"With their winning streak and 10 years of losing to them, we had a chip on our shoulders," West tight end Cody White said. "We have to come out with something to prove again. We have to show that, 'You know what, we're still here and we're going to be a power.'"

BHS has won four straight since a 17-14 overtime loss to Normal Community in the Intercity Doubleheader.

West also suffered its only loss to NCHS, 21-7 two weeks ago.

The Raiders were at their best last week in a 35-14 victory over Centennial, while the Wildcats bounced back with a 49-7 romp over Urbana.

"I think last year we kind of underestimated them," said Raiders' senior receiver Mitchell Jordan. "We know this year it's going to be a good game. We know they're a good team. They've established themselves."

BHS will be without leading rusher David Simmons (568 yards), who is serving the second of a two-game disciplinary suspension. But senior Valshun Powe ran for 176 yards and two touchdowns against Centennial.

Powe has averaged 9.4 yards per carry while rushing for 533 yards and seven TDs. Senior quarterback Brent Holtz has added 180 yards and Jameson 132.

"They run the ball very well. Their offensive line has improved throughout the year," West coach Darren Hess said. "They're very quick and tough and they get after you. We just have to make sure we're assignment sound and get a lot of people to the ball."

Holtz threw six passes last week and two went for touchdowns. He has completed 20 of 38 for 251 yards with five TDs and three interceptions.

BHS coach Rigo Schmelzer said it is important to be able to throw off of play-action, but that the Raiders remain "run first."

"Last week, I was surprised how well we were able to get into their defense," Schmelzer said. "Some of it was because there wasn't a lot of movement or changes (by Centennial).

"Based on what we've seen West do in the past, you're going to see some different looks and alignments. Our kids will have to deal with that. We have to get into their defense before they get into us."

West will look to run behind a big offensive line and use the speed of senior tailback Josh Lacombe, the Pantagraph area's leading rusher (927 yards, 11 touchdowns, 7.3 average).

Senior quarterback Andy Dicken has thrown for 467 yards and eight TDs, including two each last week to White and wide receiver Andrew Childs.

"We showed we can pass the ball, so they're going to have to respect that hopefully," Childs said. "They can't sit on Josh like every other team has done."

"A key is how well we can throw, because if we can't, they're going to load the box," Hess said. "We know we're going to have to run like we always do, but also throw and keep them honest."

BHS' defense could be without junior tackle Eric Floyd, who is questionable because of a back injury.

"Our kids realize we're back in the drivers seat (in the Big 12), and we want to take care of business," Schmelzer said. "But I know West is thinking the same thing."

Hess said the Wildcats should be at full strength for a game he considers "another gauge."

"I look at our record, and we're 1-9 against Bloomington," he said. "We're looking to turn the corner, and they're looking to answer a question we presented to them last year."