UNH Chargers to battle SCSU

NEW HAVEN, Conn. (WTNH) -- The Yale-Harvard game is called, "The Game."

Oklahoma-Texas: the Red River Shootout.

Pittsburgh-West Virginia: the Backyard Brawl.

And the University of New Haven taking on Southern Connecticut State is The Elm City Trophy game. And it's this Saturday.

With a come-from-behind win last Saturday, the New Haven Chargers maintain their undefeated record and their spot as the third ranked Division 2 team in the country.

Southern is not having the same kind of success. The young Owls have struggled to two wins so far, which is why a win over cross town rival UNH could make their season.

"The kind of season we're having right now, but regardless of the record, it's a big game and we want to go out there and play well and win the game."

"You can throw the record books out, this is a game," said Pete Rossomando.

Since New Haven reinstated its football program, the Chargers have won two of the last three games played, and they've all been high scoring games.

"It's a big thing, you know we won the first year, my freshman year, but after that they've been beating us so it will be good to get back on top and get that trophy back," said Steven Teague, SCSU.

Coaches say the intensity picks up in practice leading to the annual game, and it carries over into the game.

"They mark it on their calendars, our kids, their kids, Southern week, I'm sure there's New Haven week and you know the practices get a little more intense, a little bit more focused in meetings, it's definitely a different feel," said Rossomando.

"When we get there Saturday they'll be a little different atmosphere, there's a lot of excitement and the game is played very fast and it's a fun experience," said Coach Cavs.

Certainly New Haven has more at stake here. The Chargers are undefeated and ranked 3rd in the country.

"Every team, if you look at last week and every team that's on our schedule has been playing us like it's their Super Bowl and they're gonna come out firing and we expect that," said Tom Herd, "we're gonna put on a show and they will too, it's just gonna come down to who can play more disciplined and play the best football that day."