Undefeated McFarland will play for the outright Rock Valley Conference championship on Friday, when they take on Brodhead/Juda. The Spartans have gone eight seasons without a conference crown.
McFarland coach Paul Ackley is aware of how significant Friday's game is. A win could lock up a home playoff game in Division 3, and also an outright conference title. While they would still earn at least a share of the title and possibly a home playoff game, there's urgency for the Spartans to head into the playoffs as one of the few remaining unbeaten teams in Division 3.
Brodhead/Juda is no pushover either, having recently seen their streak of 25 straight playoff appearances end, and needing a win this week to get back to the postseason.