Every now and then, you come across a game on the football schedule that looks bigger now than it did a few weeks ago.

Slippery Rock High School’s home game with Grove City next Friday night fits that description.

Sure, this is a rivalry and rivalry games are always big. But it’s been lopsided the past two years, with Grove City winning 28-0 and 47-6.

The Rockets amassed only 3-6 regular seasons in 2016 and 2017 while the Eagles were 10-2 in 2016 and 11-1 last year, that lone loss being a 30-27 decision to Hollidaysburg in a state playoff game.

So Grove City should cruise into Slippery Rock and keep this trend going.

But wait. Not so fast.

While the Eagles are rolling once again — winning their first three games by a composite score of 156-13 — the Rockets may be a worthy adversary this time around.

Before taking on another rival in Sharon this weekend, Slippery Rock reeled off wins of 27-14 at General McLane, 24-6 over Reynolds and 52-12 at Franklin.

This team has a punishing ground game, led by Kaleb Kamerer, quarterback Vito Pilosi and David Duffalo, that could grind out first downs and eat time off the clock.

Shortening the game would mean tightening the game — and that’s something Grove City isn’t used to dealing with.

Slippery Rock’s defense will be challenged to slow down a first-string Grove City offense that’s pretty much played two quarters in each of its first three games. Brady Callahan has thrown for 536 yards and five touchdowns. Running backs Tyler Greer and Colby Nelson have rushed for six TDs each.

Toss in receiver Logan Lutz — who has 17 catches for 295 yards — and you’ve got a formidable offense lining up against a physical, hard-hitting defense.

With neighboring communities, the stands should be packed, the parking lots full and the 50-50 drawing worth a tidy sum of money.

Rivalries are always fun.

When they occur during a season in which both teams are putting high-quality teams on the field, they should be treasured.

John Enrietto is sports editor of the Butler Eagle