Wagga High School will face the first of what they hope proves to be a few 'grand finals' when they meet Kooringal High School in the Carroll Cup on Wednesday night.
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The round three fixture is a high stakes clash for both teams with the winner to progress through to the semi-final, while it will be competition over for the loser.
Wagga High School coach Heath Russell understands it is the first of potentially a few big weeks for his team.
"Internally, we'd like to go as far as we can but we're only taking it one game at a time," Russell said.
"We've put in a fair bit of work this year, the boys were really keen to. We're obviously not going to disrespect Kooringal, it's like a mini grand final for both us. Win and you go through to a semi, lose and it's over.
"If there is a tomorrow, we'll reassess things after the game."
Wagga High have only played the one game so far this competition for a 144-point win over Mount Austin High School.
Kooringal High kicked off their Carroll Cup campaign with a 150-point win over Mount Austin last week.
"We're fairly confident but Kooringal obviously had a pretty good win last week too," Russell said.
"Mount Austin provided a good contest in both but this will obviously be a step up for both Kooringal and us this week with a semi-final place on the line."
Wagga High have a number of talented footballers in their line-up, headed by Collingullie-Glenfield Park pair Harry Ridley and Jaymes Pope, and Osborne's Michael Driscoll, who kicked nine goals against Mount Austin.
Russell believes it is one of the strongest teams the school has fielded in some time.
"I've only been here two years but speaking to a few other coaches and it is one of our strongest sides," he said.
"Our top end talent is just as good as any school with Pope, Radley and Driscoll. They've all come through the (Giants) Academy.
"Our depth is probably stronger this year as well. We've still got a young team with a few year 10 and 11 boys but I'm pretty confident in them and their ability to perform when we need them to."
Wagga High face Kooringal at 6pm at Robertson Oval.
Afterwards, Kildare Catholic College will tackle The Riverina Anglican College (TRAC) at 7.30pm in what shapes as a preview of one of next week's semi-finals.
Only a big win by TRAC would stop Kildare from finishing on top of Pool A after defeating Mater Dei Catholic College by 31 points in the opening round.
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