The Amherst-Avon Lake rivalry hasn't had so much riding on it in the last few years. Not since both teams made the playoffs in 2004, when Avon Lake handed Amherst both of its losses, have these two teams played with the Southwestern Conference title on the line.

But, it's still not the same.

The reason I say this is Brecksville. If it wasn't for former Clearview coach Matt Wilson and his Berea Braves' upset of the Bees on their homecoming night, this game would mean nothing when it comes to the SWC title. Brecksville beat both Amherst and Avon Lake this season, giving the Bees a moral tiebreaker with the winner of next week's Amherst-Avon Lake game, when the two teams will likely share the SWC title.

Even if Brecksville would have beat Berea this season, Amherst vs. Avon Lake would still have great significance. It's still what I would argue is the more important aspect of this game, which is playoff standing. Avon Lake is playing for a chance at a first-round home game. Amherst is playing just to make sure it doesn't get shut out of the playoffs -- and a second loss would likely spell the end of the Comets' chances to make the Division I playoffs.

So, Friday night, a lot will be on the line when Amherst visits Avon Lake. Most importantly, playoff implications. But, the winner of this game ought to send a nice gift and a big thank you to Berea if it plans to celebrate sharing the SWC title with a team that beat it this season.