Boys’ varsity soccer is playing on the biggest stage of their season tomorrow, for this fall’s edition of Game Night.

Redwood, which is coming into the game having won their past four match ups, will be matching up against Branson, currently ranked first in the MCAL.

Redwood tied Branson 1-1 in their MCAL opener earlier this year.

According to Luke Pfeiffer, a senior captain, if Redwood wins this game, they will move from third to first in the MCAL.

Sasha Boussina, another senior captain, said he expects the game to be extremely close.  He said that games against Branson have historically resulted in ties and one goal differences.

“People should know that this game is going to be very intense, and going to be a fun game to watch.  Tempers are going to go up,” Boussina said.  “I’m calling like a 1-0, 2-1 game.”

Both Boussina and Pfeiffer said that games against Branson are also often more physical, due to both playing styles and the intensity of the rivalry.

According to Pfeiffer, Redwood is also optimistic about the outcome because they are playing on turf, while Branson is used to playing on a slower, grass pitch.

In addition to the factors on the field, Pfeiffer expects the game to be made additionally intense by the Game Night spirit.

“Personally, I definitely play better [with a crowd].  Also, we have a lot of young kids on the team, and seeing the whole school out there, the whole crowd cheering them on, will have an effect on them,” Pfeiffer said.  “And I think it might even make Branson play not as well.”

The team has been preparing for the game off the field as well, advertising for the game to try and increase attendance.

“For the past couple of weeks, we’ve been raging about it.  We’ve been telling our fans, teachers, people I just met, telling them to get out there it’s going to be fun,” Pfeiffer said.  “Our coach, he graduated here in 2008… has been writing some of his fellow graduates to come out, and he’s getting real into it too.”

Both Pfeiffer and Boussina said the team has been planning special post-goal celebrations during the big game.