Central Catholic’s players and coaches may not admit it, but tonight’s game against Vermilion Catholic has been anticipated all season long.

The Eagles haven’t won the district title outright since 2004 and 2005, the first two seasons under coach David Fuhrer.

Last year, CCHS finished in a three-way tie for district, but tonight the season culminates in a true district title game.

“There is a lot of excitement around,” CCHS coach David Fuhrer said. “It’s the first time I can remember that the last game of the season is the actual district championship game — legitimately. Other ones, supposable district championship games, have come earlier in district or the first week of district.”

VCHS is 9-0 and currently No. 3 in the most recent LSWA Class 1A poll while CCHS is No. 5.

Vermilion Catholic won just four games last season, but the addition of former LSU Tiger Trev Faulk has spurred a turnaround that has many looking at VCHS as the favorite tonight.

“My hat’s off to Vermilion Catholic and their coaching staff and players,” Fuhrer said. “They made a big turnaround from last year. They were a pretty good football team last year, but they were young. They’ve really done a great job this year. I’m looking forward to the game; the kids are looking forward to it. It’s going to be like a playoff atmosphere before the playoffs.”

Faulk expects a big group of fans to travel over with the team and is happy to have a big game fall on the final week of the regular season.

“It’s going to be a playoff-like atmosphere,” Faulk said. “It’s going to be a great game heading into the playoffs. We’re definitely fortunate to be able to have this one in week 10 with a lot at stake.”

The Eagles started the season off with wins against Loreauville and White Castle but they haven’t faced a team of that caliber since. Last week was a tough test against Hanson, but undefeated VCHS has the potential to deal CCHS its second loss of the season and has the Eagles in the rare role of underdog.

“Last week against Hanson was a big game for us and our guys got excited about that,” Fuhrer said. “We had a battle last week against Hanson and our kids were in the game last week, and they know it’s going to be a game this week. They’re mentally prepared and physically prepared. We’re just ready to go.”