GROVE CITY — Jeff Bell had a toothache.

The Grove City HighSchool coach spent the early part of the week trying to avoid a headache.

Too late. He has one in rival SlipperyRock and coach Clyde Conti, who has been known to devise unique and interesting ways to befuddle the Eagles.

"Well," Bell said, laughing, "The kids enjoy the game more than I do."

Bell doesn't particularly draw pleasure in trying to figure out whatConti has up his sleeve. Usually, Bell has a few game films to try to figure out what Conti has planned. No such research material this time around.

When the two teams clash at 7 p.m. Friday at Forker Field, Bell has to be ready for some sneaky slight of hand from his counterpart.

Conti is like David Blaine with a clipboard.

"When you prepare to play Slippery Rock, it's always a challenge," Bell said. "You know Clyde's going to throw a wrinkle were or there. You know he's going to come up with something to do that you didn't think of."

Both Bell and Conti are just happy there is a rivalry game to play.

For a few weeks this winter, it appeared the SlipperyRock-Grove City rivalry was dead — at least for the next two seasons.

The Rockets were bumped up to Class AAA and out of Grove City's region. That left just two weeks when the suddenly nonconference game between SlipperyRock and Grove City could be scheduled.

Luckily, the first week worked for both schools.

So, the Rockets and Eagles will clash for the 23rd time since the rivalry began in 1976. It has run continuously since 1988.

"I think that's what high school football is about," said Grove City coach Jeff Bell, who never played against SlipperyRock when he suited up for the Eagles during his playing days. "Hey, I don't want to compare it to the Army-Navy game ... but it's a big game and it sets the tone of the season."

Grove City holds a 14-8 edge in the series and has won two straight, including a dramatic 34-31 overtime victory last season atForker Field.

Both teams will be breaking in new quarterbacks.

Jesse Alfreno, who threw for more than 1,000 yards last season for Grove City is gone. Senior Justin Haugh is in, winning a battle for the starting job against two other QB candidates.

"He's played quarterback for us for four years," Bell said. "He knows the offense and does a good job play-faking and running the offense."

Slippery Rock will go with sophomore Jonathan Powell, who takes over for Ben Collins, who started 36 straight games under center.

"We haven't been very lucky against them for the last couple of years," said SlipperyRock coach Clyde Conti. "Last year's ballgame was a heartbreaker for us."

Both coaches realize, though, the nature of the game has changed. It's no longer as important because it is merely a nonconference tune-up in the grand scheme of things now.

"It's not the end of the world for the team that loses," Bell said.

"That's how I feel, too," Conti said. "Obviously, they have a number of kids who played a big part in beating us last year. I know we have a major challenge. It's going to be an excitable night."

<B>Friday 7 p.m.</B>• <B>Series:</B> Grove City holds a 14-8 edge since the schools started their rivalry in 1976. The Eagles are 6-5 against the Rockets at home.• <B>Statistic:</B> In last season's 34-31 overtime win by Grove City, Eagles quarterback Jesse Alfreno and Rockets quarterback Ben Collins each threw for more than 200 yards. Both graduated.• <B>Speaking:</B> "I think that's what high school football is about. Hey, I don't want to compare it to the Army-Navy game ... but it's a big game and it sets the tone of the season." — Grove City coach Jeff Bell