Bloomington High School's football players covered a lot of topics in the offseason between repetitions on the bench press. Yet, one subject kept cropping up.

"We've always been talking about Week 2 in the weight room," senior quarterback Levi Johnson said. "We've been working for this since the end of last season."

Week 2 has arrived, and awaiting the Purple Raiders is defending Class 6A state champion and No. 1-ranked Normal Community. BHS has lost three in a row to its Big 12 Conference rival, leaving the Raiders eager for tonight's 7:30 Intercity Doubleheader game at Hancock Stadium.

Asked if he was excited week 2 is here, Johnson replied, "Oh yeah. I'm ready."

Both teams are 1-0 overall and in the Big 12. BHS, ranked No. 5 in the 6A state poll, downed Decatur MacArthur, 28-14, and NCHS defeated Champaign Central, 26-10, last week.

It was the Ironmen's 15th straight victory overall and in the conference. While they struggled offensively, totaling 111 yards and eight first downs, the defense allowed only 109 yards and seven first downs, with 62 yards coming on one play.

"Our defense … we're always ready to go," said senior quarterback/defensive back Alex Buck. "We have to kind of control the line and we have to slow down Darrelynn Dunn. He's a great running back. But I think our defense will be able to do it. I think defense will be the biggest part of the game."

Dunn, BHS' junior tailback, rushed for 196 yards and three touchdowns last week. He figures to play a key role tonight as the Raiders try to avenge last year's 23-0 loss to NCHS.

Dunn will go against what BHS coach Rigo Schmelzer called "a phenomenal defense with great speed."

"They're missing some size they had up front (last year), but they still have quality kids who know how to play," Schmelzer said. "We know what they've done, and they know us probably better than we know ourselves. The thing we each have to do is take care of the football, make certain our kids understand what's expected and see what happens."

Schmelzer is hoping his offensive line meshes quickly. Senior center Deonte Person continues to be out with torn ligaments in his thumb, and senior guard Chris Love is questionable with a foot injury. If Love cannot play, senior Ben Ehrlich will start.

"It (the line) is an area we're struggling," Schmelzer said. "It's not because we don't have good kids. It's because we don't have our timing down or our communication down. With the team we're going against, that's an issue."

Johnson was solid in his first start at quarterback last week, throwing for 57 yards and a touchdown and running for 43 yards. NCHS' quarterback situation was far more jumbled, with Buck, junior Zac Johnson and senior Matt Lucie seeing action.

Buck will start again tonight after completing 5 of 9 passes for 49 yards.

"He would have played more at quarterback last week, but he had cramps in both calves," NCHS coach Hud Venerable said.

"We had good film evaluation, and I think our guys have a better idea of what we expect on that side of the ball now. We have to be more efficient throwing the football."

The Ironmen scored one touchdown and set up another on special teams. Tonight, they regain speedy return man Kennedy Freeman from a toe injury. Meanwhile, BHS will have senior nose tackle Zach Taylor, whose start to the season was delayed by military training.

"I think both teams are still a long way from being where they're going to be," Venerable said. "You just try to make a real solid effort with a minimum of mental errors."