August 24, 2012 was the start of what appears to be a long-lasting rivalry.

Ben Davis was about to travel to Pike for a big game. The local Hip Hop radio station had all of the younger Pike alumni ranting about how badly Ben Davis would be beaten. Ben Davis ended up winning with a shutout score of 24-0.

Later in the season BD had to travel back to Pike to open sectional play. The whole state thought it would be an easy win considering what happened in week two. Pike ended up winning 35-25.

The next season came and BD had their hearts set on revenge as they headed to Lucas Oil Stadium in week four. This was their first meeting with Pike since that sectional loss. BD won 49-48 in OT after rallying back from a 24-7 first quarter deficit. It might have been the defining game of the 2013 season and was probably the most exciting game in the state last year.

The Giants rolled through the season and met Pike at home again for the sectional championship. The Giants fell short once again to Pike 34-32 in a heart-racing game.

There is no love lost between these two teams. The respect is there, but the rivalry runs deep with each team desperately wanting to beat the other. Ben Davis comes in ranked either No. 1 or No. 2 in the state depending on which poll while is No. 5 in both polls.

This is also the opening weekend of conference action. Ben Davis has shared the last two conference championships.

Pike returns three starters on offense and three starters on defense. The high powered Giants offense averages 50 points a game with Kyle Castner averaging more than 300 yards through the air. The only other team that averaged 50 points a game in school history was the legendary 1991 national champion team.

The Giants defense only wants one thing…turnovers. They would also like to focus on the mental aspect of game and not so much as the physical. Kickoff is at 7 p.m. at Pike High School Friday night.