The Centerville and Wayne football programs have provided the area’s best Division I rivalry. It dates back to their Western Ohio League days in the early 1980s.

They’ll renew the fireworks again in Week 8 of the regular season at 7:30 p.m. today when Centerville (5-2) hosts Wayne (5-2). The contest will be carried live on several radio stations, including WING-AM (1410). It also will be shown on tape delay at 1 a.m. Saturday morning on Twin Warner Cable Ch. 99.

This will go a long way toward a Greater Western Ohio Conference Central Division title and securing a place in the Region 4 playoffs.

The Warriors were rolling with four straight wins, including a 21-14 defeat of Trotwood-Madison. But Beavercreek stunned Wayne 14-13 last week.

Centerville has recovered from a 0-2 start to win five straight. The Elks are coming off a 13-0 defensive grinder against Northmont last week.

Wayne, led by senior quarterback Javon Harrison, will most certainly press the Elks’ secondary. Centerville QB Jimmy Brooks is at the controls of the Elks’ ball-control running game.

“You can’t say that the two schools love each other, but there’s a lot of respect between the two teams,” said Centerville coach Ron Ullery.