Hall-Conard Football Under the Lights for the First Time

As if having bragging rights and the 57th Mayor’s Cup on the line weren’t enough, this year’s Hall-Conard football game has even more spice.

Three words: Under. The. Lights.

For the first time, the annual classic featuring the Chieftains and Warriors will be played at nighttime, courtesy of the efforts of the group Unite for Light and the town.

The game, which is typically played the Saturday before Thanksgiving, is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. Friday at McKee Stadium at Conard High School.

Last year, some 2,000 people turned out to see Hall High defeat Conard 31-28 in overtime.

This year’s contest figures to draw at least as many spectators. The 1973 Conard High football team will be honored at halftime, with about 25 former players expected to be on hand.

With an 8-1 record, Hall hopes to secure a spot in the state Class LL tournament with a victory. The Warriors are ranked fifth in Class LL and have won eight consecutive games after dropping their season opener to Glastonbury 35-28.

Conard has gone 4-5, improving on last year’s 2-victory season. Despite being out of postseason contention, the Chieftains have won their last two contests.

Regardless of their records, the game promises to be a good one.