Bellevue vs. Perkins: A new chapter (hopefully)

 They are separated by just under 15 miles.

For many area fans over the past 10 years, it was a common question I've heard when talking high school football..."Why don't Bellevue and Perkins play anymore?"

In just under 48 hours, that question no longer has to be asked, and not a moment too soon in my opinion. For the first time in 15 years, the Pirates and Redmen will meet again on the football field in the season opener for both teams.

In the final two meetings of this series in 1992 and 1993, a series which ran from 1970-93, Bellevue outscored Perkins 83-0 and the series was called off until right now. What that proved to mean was, this series was deprived of some possible classics when BOTH teams were at their peaks at the SAME time.

Just think of some of the matchups, mainly in say 1999 and 2000 when the Pirates were the winners of 26 straight games and a Division IV state championship trophy while the Redmen went 20-6 over that same span with a pair of Northern Ohio League championships and playoff berths. 2003 is another one I would have liked to of seen as Bellevue went 9-2, won the league title and lost in the first round in the playoffs with RB Greg Keys as a feature player while Perkins went 7-4 and lost in the first round in the playoffs with RB Aaron Richardson as a feature player.

But while many will focus on this close distance rivalry being renewed, another big aspect added to this game is the head coaches that will be across from each other, neither of whom need any kind of introduction to area fans.

Quisno vs. Nasonti.

For years while Gary Quisno was dominating at Oak Harbor, that was another matchup with Bellevue that was tossed about but never came to fruition. Now Quisno, an impressive 237-92 in 30 seasons will finally match up with Nasonti, 140-46 in 17 seasons, and it happens right out of the gate in the season opener and I personally can't wait.

Those two have a combined 377 wins and a AVERAGE season for both in 47 seasons is 8-3. Goodness.

Lastly, I just want to throw out that the main reason I'm happy this game is back on is that I am all for area teams nearby hooking up in non-conference games. Huron-Vermilion, St. Paul-St. Mary's, Edison-Norwalk, Bellevue-Clyde, and on and on.

So welcome back Bellevue-Perkins...here's to you becoming a week one staple in our area for years to come. To help get ready for the game, here are some interesting facts about the series history:

-Bellevue leads the series 16-7-1

- Average score in 24 meetings: Bellevue 19, Perkins 9

- At Bellevue: Bellevue leads series 8-2-1

- At Perkins: Bellevue leads series 8-5

- 8-of-24 meetings have been shutouts

- In just 4-of-24 meetings, the losing team has been able to score in double-digits.

- Biggest Bellevue win: 55-0 in 1992

- Biggest Perkins win: 35-0 in 1985