FOX 54 XTRA POINT: Aiken, South Aiken rivalry not about records - WFXG FOX54 Augusta - Your News One Hour Earlier

When you're having the kind of year Aiken and South Aiken are having, any victory is sweet.

But a win over your biggest rival in what could be your final game of the season? That's about as sweet as it gets.

"The kids get very excited about it," says Aiken Head Coach Carey Johnson. "They're looking to prove a point."

Both teams kicked off Friday night's game at Aiken enduring tough seasons, the Hornets at 2-8, the Thoroughbreds at 1-9.

But like so many rivalry games, when these two take the field against another, the records don't matter.

For these two squads, winning on Friday means they are the best in Aiken.

"It's going to be exciting," says South Aiken Sr. ATH DeAndre Schoultz. "We're planning on going out and getting some bragging rights and be able to brag on for the rest of the year."

"It means a lot," says Aiken Sr. DT Robert Davis. "It's all about bragging rights now, about self-pride and having the bragging rights of the city."

Many of the players learned their skills playing against each other in Aiken's youth football league.

Many are friends. Some family.

But when it falls on this week on the calendar, they're rivals.

"On social networks, always smack talk," laughs Schoultz. "Friends, old girlfriends, everything, just smack talk."

And even after seasons to forget, a win tonight could send the victor off with a little less bitter taste in their mouth, and carrying some momentum into 2013.

"We always talk about sending the seniors out on a great note and a win tonight would do that, and build some [momentum] for next year," says Johnson.

After a hard fought game, South Aiken earned the bragging rights, 28-21.