It's Finally here...........Willard week! September 11th 2002 By XBellevueplayar

  September 14th 2001 is the date that stands out in the minds of Bellevue fans everywhere as that night came the Redmen's only Northern Ohio League loss of the 2001 season.

  After an emotional week following the tragic attack on our freedom in New York and the Pentagon the Redmen took the field against Arch Rival The Willard Crimson Flashes. The Redmen who had lost 2 in a row at BAF Stadium to the Flashes left the field with a 20-6 defeat.

  This year the games at Willard, a place the Redmen have not seen defeat since Coach Ed Nasonti took over the program in 1991. What might be even more impressive is the 37-1 road record in divisional play that the Redmen have during Nasonti's tenure. The only loss being a 27-7 loss in 1995 to Tiffin.

  A year ago the Redmen was preseason favorites by many in Division 3 and talks of a State Title spread throughout the town. As for Willard, they were considered a young but talented team but a year away from contending for the League Crown. This year the roles are reversed as the Redmen have only 10 Seniors and were predicted to finish third in the League While Willard is a Senior Oriented team with high hopes of a long playoff run.

  Now that Willard fans have had a year to gloat and rub in last years loss you can be sure of two things going into this Friday's grudge match. At 7:30pm when the whistle blows the Redmen will be looking for a little revenge from last years defeat and that Willard will fight and claw to do whatever they can to assure themselves a piece of the NOL Championship Trophy, much like the ones that flood the Redmen trophy cases.

  Friday surely will provide a great game with a playoff atmosphere and I can't imagine a bigger game in the state this weekend.