The dictionary definition of rivalry: competition for the same objective or for superiority in the same field. What can’t be found in this definition are the bragging rights, heartbreak, joy and the unmatched atmosphere that come with winning a game.

Tonight, First Flight’s varsity football team takes on rival Manteo High School in the annual Marlin Bowl. The Marlin Bowl is the name given to the First Flight vs. Manteo football matchup, which has been happening every year since First Flight opened in 2004. Manteo owns a 7-4 record in the series, but the host Nighthawks have defeated Manteo for the past two years and hope to keep the streak alive tonight.

First Flight is heading into the game with a 1-1 record, losing 14-13 to Dixon High School in the season opener and routing Arcadia High School 41-20 last week.

“We’ve had a high and a low (this season). We played well last week against Arcadia, especially our offense,” Nighthawks coach Jim Prince said. “Our first game was a real disappointment. We came into the game thinking our offensive strength would overpower Dixon. However, our defense was marvelous, and we kept making mistakes on offense that didn’t allow us to score, like penalties and other silly things.”

Manteo is 1-0 on the season, defeating Currituck High School 23-14 in its home season opener. Manteo handled Currituck on the ground, rushing for 319 yards and scoring two rushing touchdowns: 178 of those rushing yards came from senior running back Jazz Hanson, who averaged a whopping 11.1 yards on 16 carries.

“Defensively, we have to prepare with toughness because they’re going to line up and run the football right at us,” Prince said. “There gonna do things simplistic but very efficiently. The only way we can stop this is by causing disruption in their offense.”

This week of practice has been important for First Flight, according to Prince. Offensive tweaks, game plan adjustments and more have been made to insure the team’s plan of attack runs smoothly.

“Monday and Tuesday we had very physical practices, so we’ve had two easy days of practice to get fresh,” Prince said. “As far as practice goes, we have been mainly focusing on the offensive side of the ball, learning how to execute our plays more efficiently.”

The Marlin Bowl is one of the biggest stages for an athlete at First Flight. Students from Manteo and First Flight are rivals, but this game also attracts a large crowd that brings the community together.

“We are very confident and have been working hard all week and summer for this moment,” sophomore quarterback Braxton Hughes said. “This game has added pressure to it. I have to stay calm in order for us to get the win.”

The game takes place at First Flight High School’s football field. Kickoff is set for 7:30. Tickets cost $6.

“We are county rivals and exact opposites. They are big, strong and love to jam the football right at you,” Prince said. “We are more finesse and love to throw the football around. These are two completely different looks and we will see which one wins tonight.”

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