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Rivals North, South square off tonight By GREG STILES A victory over North Medford tonight at Spiegelberg Stadium would make South Medford's season. If North Medford fails to win the 14th Black and Blue Game, it would put a serious crimp in the Black Tornado's drive for its first Southern Oregon Conference football championship since 1985. While North has yet to appear in the Associated Press' Top 10 this season, the Tornado is gaining momentum. North allowed only one enemy score in wins over Crater and Eagle Point, outscoring its opponents by a 61-6 count. But North coach Rod Rumrey hopes the Tornado offense is just getting warmed up. "Our defense has been the highlight of the first two games," Rumrey says. "It's been very important to get off to a good start, and a loss could've hindered our opportunity to be in the playoffs later." Elsewhere in SOC play tonight, Grants Pass is at Ashland, and Roseburg is at Klamath Union. In non-conference action, Sheldon of Eugene visits Crater, and Eagle Point travels to Mountain View in Bend. All but Eagle Point-Mountain kick off at 7:30 p.m. The Eagles start at 7 p.m. North Medford has not won its first three games since reeling off five straight victories to start 1992. That, coincidentally, was the season the Tornado began a four-game win streak against South in a series North leads, 8-5. South's lone win since 1991 was 22-19 in 1996. But having won six of the past seven, while improving his personal Black and Blue record to 8-3, isn't necessarily reassuring to Rumrey. "There have been some awfully good efforts by the underdogs in this game," Rumrey says. "They've either hung in there or made life miserable for the other team. "We were the underdogs for a long time, and I don't think people realize how much effort it took to get where we are. At the same time, we're facing a team that is busting their rears to get back on top." Second-year South Medford coach Bill Singler's introduction to the Black and Blue affair was a 33-0 setback. "We're way ahead of where we were last year, but we've still got a young team," Singler says. "Last year, we were having trouble getting across the 50-yard line. Now we're crossing the 50, getting into scoring territory then botching field goals and not scoring." Singler knows his team is at a disadvantage, fielding a team with seven seniors while North has 20. The Tornado has three players go both ways, while most of the Panthers see double-duty. What he doesn't want to see is another blazing start by the Tornado, like last year when North struck for 14 early points. "We hope to get off to a good start and not beat ourselves early," Singler says. "Otherwise, there'll be the steamroll effect.'' North's junior tailback, Phil Ouellette, has rushed for 267 yards in two games -- second-best in the SOC -- and averages 8.1 yards per carry. Senior quarterback Nate Mayben has completed 20-of-29 passes for 416 yards, one touchdown and no interceptions. "North presents a lot of problems," Singler says. "There are so many weapons. You very rarely see teams with so much speed and skill at every position. Mike Olson is coming on as a receiver and Tate Mellbye can run and catch. Their tight end, Colby Gonzales, has already had a successful year. Ouellette has great feet and is tough to tackle, and (fullback) Ken Halpin is the ultimate team players with lots of talent." All of that talent got bottled up for a half last Friday before the Tornado broke loose in the second half. "Our young line was tested in part by Crater and in part by confusion," Rumrey says. "You get athletes like Crater had -- Anders Vetch, Tanner Hillyer and Scott Toney -- and you better have decent technique and good angles. We did a poor job in the first half." Thus, Rumrey and Co. would like nothing more than to explode early. "Our players understand the importance of this game," he says. "It's not just trying to get to 3-0, but it's a rivalry game in a town that has possibly the greatest tradition as far as high school football in Oregon." Rumrey says senior linebacker Joel Gibson has been a team leader day after day in practice as well as in games. "His work ethic has been carrying over into games," Rumrey says. Defensive linemen John Bracken and Adam Barr have been a load for opponents as well. "They're two of our quicker linemen," Rumrey says. "They never back off until the whistle. They're very consistent and both capable of making big plays." South has had its standouts up front as well. Singler says offensive tackle/defensive end Johnny Peterson has outperformed any expectations. "It's really encouraging to see a senior do that," Singler says. Another senior, J.P. Villa, whose season was wiped out by a knee injury last year, has come back with a vengeance. "He just doesn't want to be denied this season," Singler says. Today's Sports Index Mail Tribune Copyright� The Mail Tribune 1999, Medford, OR U.S.A.