Athletic directors for Trinity, St. X discuss strategy ahead of Friday's playoff game

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- The rivalry continues Friday night as St. Xavier and Trinity high schools prepare to meet again this week in the high school football playoffs.

The Tigers and Rocks both won their first playoff game and will now meet in the second round for a spot in the quarterfinals Friday night. Rob Saxton and Denny Williams -- the athletic directors from both schools -- joined WDRB Mornings on Tuesday for a preview of what to expect.

"I know both teams are excited," said Saxton, the athletic director at Trinity. "We played one another a few weeks ago and we got the better of that game. But this is a new week and a new game, and we'll see what happens Friday night."

Although the sports rivalry between the two schools in all sports is fiercely competitive, Williams said "Rob and I have a great relationship and look forward to these games every single year."

Williams said the pressure will be high for both teams.

"The big stage, the big stadium, it's a little bit different now," he said. "Obviously, Trinity got the bragging rights in the first go-round, but the playoffs bring a whole new level. Now, it's win or go home. So you better be ready, and I'm sure both teams will be."

Friday's game will be played at Trinity's stadium, and the parking lot will not open until 5:30 p.m. ahead of the 7 p.m. kickoff. Tickets will be hard to come by, and there will be no walk-up sales at the stadium.

"Digital tickets have sold out," Saxton said. "They sold out Saturday morning. We are now selling tickets at each school to our students and to our faculty and staff. And we'll work through that today and into tomorrow, and then we'll see where we are tomorrow. I do expect the game will sell-out before Friday."

People can still watch a live stream of the game online on the WDRB+ app, which is available on ROKU, Amazon Fire, Apple TV and other online platforms. WDRB has been streaming all of Trinity's home games this season.

"We've been fortunate this year to create a partnership with WDRB and the WDRB+ app for video livestreaming," Saxton said.

The production is overseen by Trinity's students and digital production team.

The WDRB+ app is also available for mobile devices. CLICK HERE to download the WDRB+ app to your iPhone from the Apple store. CLICK HERE to download it to your Android phone from the Google Play Store.