The RCA Dome in Indianapolis.

For those that get the chance to play for the state title, playing in the RCA Dome is the prize for years of hard work and dedication. For those football players in the Three Rivers Conference, specifically Manchester, Whitko and Valley, getting to the Dome for a state championship this year is still only a dream. However, those three schools along with Oak Hill, Northfield, North Miami, Southwood and Rochester will get the chance on Saturday to play in the confines of the Dome, something they get to do once every four years.

The atmosphere is completely different from most Friday night football games in about every way. From the obvious (the roof over top) to the quirky (an astroturf field and television screens with replays high above), the three local schools will get a chance to experience football in a way they have never played before.

"The astroturf is a lot harder," Squires coach Al Bailey said. "The players (last time) said they were surprised by the amount of traction. You don't slip on the turf. I remember one kid, he was awed just by looking up at the ceiling. It's just an awesome facility."

Whitko coach Bryan Sprunger remembers the last time his squad was there, a 21-20 loss to Rochester in 1994, when it was still called the Hoosier Dome.

"I remember we didn't play very well the first half the last time," Sprunger said. "The surroundings got to the kids. With all the TV screens, the kids got to watching themselves during the game. It's an experience of a lifetime. This is something I never got to do as a kid."

Valley head coach Scott Bibler looks at the game as something that the kids can look back at in the future.

"I think it means a lot to them as far as taking pictures and the memories and talking about the ball team and the ballgame at your five-year reunion and stuff," Bibler said. "Of course, they'll have other memories from football, but that one's going to pop up when they watch the Colts game on TV. They can say, 'I played there, I remember being there on the 20-yard line on a pass or a catch or a run or a tackle.' It's priceless when you get those memories to share with your friends and family and to tell your grandchildren."

Even though it is something to remember, the teams still have to remember that they are playing, in some instances, very important football games. In 1994, Valley defeated North Miami at the Dome 14-6 in a game that decided the TRC title. The players will not be out there just enjoying the field and soaking in the atmosphere. This game is pretty pivotal for all three area teams.

Manchester is coming off of its first win of the season and will be trying to gain momentum. Whitko had hopes of being back at the Dome later in the year, but obstacles have come for the Wildcats and have taken them somewhat off of their path. This could be the game to get them back on track. Valley is coming off of its most impressive win of the season and is growing in maturity and experience every game. This is another important one for the Vikings.

According to Bibler, though, there isn't any other experience quite like playing in the Dome.

"The game of football is fun no matter where you play it," Bibler said. "You can play it in the backyard with no lines out there and still enjoy the game of football. I still like the outdoors. I like the rain, the snow, the mud and that kind of stuff when it comes to football, but there's something about playing in the Dome. The atmosphere is just phenomenal. You walk in there and the place is huge. You can go out in shorts if you want to. It's just an awesome site to get to play in that kind of atmosphere once every four years."

TRC Day At The Dome

Saturday, Sept. 27

11 a.m. - North Miami vs. Southwood

1:45 p.m. - Valley vs. Oak Hill

4:30 p.m. - Northfield vs. Whitko

7:15 p.m. - Manchester vs. Rochester [[In-content Ad]]