The wait is almost over for rivals Aspen Skiers and Basalt Longhorns to face off. Number six Aspen, which is undefeated, will meet 12th-ranked Basalt on Friday for Aspen’s homecoming game. Kickoff is 7 p.m.

Last Friday, the Skiers took the win against Coal Ridge, finishing on top with a score of 34-28, while the Basalt Longhorns crushed the Steamboat Sailors 42-0.

The Longhorns, a huge rival, gives even more incentive to win the homecoming conference game. Skiers coach Karson Pike also said losing last year to Basalt remains a bad memory and one they hope to change this time around.

“This is a new year with different teams, so we will mainly focus on what we see on film from this year’s team. With that being said, I don’t think any of our guys have forgotten the feeling we had leaving their homecoming game last year,” Pike said.

The AHS Skiers have progressed a lot with new plays and better early season training. Even though they will bring a 5-0 record to the game (Basalt is 4-1), AHS senior quarterback R.J. Peshak said the team still feels like it has something to prove when playing their rivals.

“In my high school career, I have never beaten Basalt and so I think this year we have a good chance,” he said.

While the teams and coaches are often different each year, the Aspen-Basalt rivalry has continued for a long time.

The head coach for AHS volleyball, and Special Education paraprofessional, Bailey Holmes said the rivalry between Aspen and Basalt has been “much more intense than it is now. Both teams were really good when I was in high school.” Holmes is a BHS alumni.

“It’s hard when people are cheering for Basalt, it feels natural, like ‘oh yeah go Basalt.’ And then I have to stop myself, and (say) go Aspen, go Aspen.” Holmes said.

Basalt quarterback, Trevor Reuss, said that the team plans to carry the confidence that they have had all season into Friday’s game.

“We have built a family within our team which is the most essential part of a successful football team,” said Reuss.

The first 250 people through the gate will receive a “white out” shirt to wear. The Skiers will be playing in their new white jerseys.