The Upperman Bees are preparing to take on the Watertown Purple Tigers in the High School Football Game of the Week.
The matchup between the two football powerhouses is quickly turning into a rivalry, with the teams splitting their previous two matchups.
“(Watertown) is always athletic,” said Caine. “It takes a long time to break down what they’re doing on defense. It’s tough to get ready for. Their offensive line looks to be better than they were last year. I’m impressed. They lost some good players, but they’re at that point where they’re reloading and starting to play really well. It’ll be a good challenge for us.”
The Bees (4-1, 2-0) are the 10th ranked 4A team in the latest Associated Press Poll, while the Purple Tigers (3-2, 2-0) are ranked 10th in 2A.
Upperman is coming off a 27-9 region win over Stone Memorial, while Watertown is coming off a 38-8 win over Whites Creek as part of a three-game winning streak.
The Bees earned a 21-20 win in 2019, while WHS won 27-6 in 2020. Each matchup has seen an apparent escalation of tension, and Caine said the Bees are eager to get revenge as they celebrate Homecoming.
“It’s hard to get out of my mind what happened last year,” said Caine. “They had a lot of fun doing that. That’s pretty fresh in my mind. Two years ago… it was a classic. They’re very competitive. When two teams play with that kind of intensity, I think it lends itself to a rivalry. We didn’t do our part to hold up our end last year, but we want to answer and settle the score with teams that beat you the year before.”
Caine went on to say despite the natural desire for revenge, ultimately it’s another football game.
“After the ball is kicked off, it’s just about who can execute and who has the better team that night,” said Caine. “I don’t get too caught up in all that, we’re just trying to get better.”
Upperman will be looking to slow down senior WHS quarterback Brayden Cousino. Cousino has had success on the ground and through the air against the Bees in the previous two years.
“He’s been breaking our hearts for three years now,” said Caine. “Our gameplan starts with him. He does have the ability to create offense.”
Despite Cousino’s success, Watertown’s three game win streak has largely been spurred by the play of running back Adam Cooper.
“The tailback has really started to play well,” said Caine. “We’ve got to stop the run then hopefully slow (Cousino) down through the air. It’s a handful.”
Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. The game will be livestreamed on the UCR Facebook page with Noah McKay and Justin Matheney on the call.