The stage may be different, but David Stephens is strictly aware that not only are bragging rights at stake, but, more importantly, so is an opportunity to continue his team's football season when it visits rival North Putnam in the opening round of the Class 2A Sectional 37 tournament.

The winner will play the winner of top-ranked Linton-Stockton and North Knox. 

Greencastle rolls into the playoffs at 7-2 after opening 0-2 and fresh off last week's 17-9 rain soaked win over the Cougars (3-6).

"It was really good to see us win the way we did. They have proven they can win a shoot out and proven they can win a grind it out defensive game. That bodes well for us in the playoffs," Stephens told The Putnam County Post. 

The win gave the Tiger Cubs their first outright Western Indiana Conference title in 11 years, control of the Putnam County Bucket and bragging rights in the county, all things Stephens believed his team could accomplish when he became coach earlier this year. 

"It feels great. I am not surprised at all. We expected to come in this year and compete in our county and conference. We feel fortunate to have won, but definitely not surprised," Stephens said. . 

Stephens admits he knew Greencastle had the potential to do all it has done when he took over the job. 

"I knew we had athletes and size. I knew we had great coaches. I knew Cole was a stud three years ago. So, yeah, I believed it. I just had to get them all to buy in. Once they knew we were a person over player coaching staff, they bought in," Stephens said. 

While the conditions were horrid at times with wind and driving rain, Stephens said his team walked away from last week with knowledge that it has some "definite advantages." 

"Now to put together a game plan to use those advantages," Stephens said.  

One advantage came on the defensive side, as Greencastle held the Cougars to 180 yards and forced three takeaways. 

"I was proud of our guys. Their biggest gain of the game was on a gimmicky roll out across the field screen. Their one touchdown was off an interception our offense threw and gave them great field position. Our defense struggled the first two games, but once they learned our communication structure, they really have been playing exceptionally well since the South Putnam game," Stephens said. 

As for the offense, Greencastle has gotten solid production out of quarterback Cole Stephens and running back Lamar Moore this season. 

Last week, Stephens threw for 97 yards, while Moore rushed for 161 yards. On the season, Stephens has thrown for 2,322 yards, 31 touchdowns and nine interceptions. Moore, on the other hand, has rushed for 897 yards and 14 trips to the end zone. 

Heading into the rematch, Stephens is confident about his team's ability to win again, admitting he was "glad" the first encounter was close. 

"I'm glad it was close because now we aren't going into North Putnam after winning by 28 thinking we don't have to focus and then we get caught with a surprise in round one. Our guys know at the end of the day, you can say elements, rain, whatever, it was an 8 point game. That is one score so you have to come out focused and execute. If you want to be the team you say you are and believe you are, now you have to have a great week of practice," Stephens said. 

And, he admits the pressure is not on Greencastle. 

"Our guys have a little bit of confidence in the sense we know we can beat them. They don't know if they can beat us. It is up for us to go out and prove it again," Stephens said. 

And, what will it take to do just that?

"Play fast, play physical, win the line of scrimmage and take care of the ball. I know it sounds cliche, but it really is the truth," Stephens said.