In decades past, Russia was considered Canada's biggest rival in sports.

Today, most Canadians would call the United States their greatest international sports rival.

Where the rivalry comes from is probably a combination of the national inferiority complex we as Canadians have as well as envy of our big brother south of the 49th.

This Friday an interesting twist in the rivalry will take place in Abbotsford as the Bonita Vista Barons from San Diego, Cal., will take on the number one ranked W.J. Mouat Hawks.

These two schools are separated by more than 1,300 miles or more than 2,000 kilometres -- and the successes of their football programs this year are similarly divided.

W.J. Mouat is undefeated thus far where as Bonita Vista is winless in 2010.

W.J. Mouat

Mouat is playing their second straight game against an American opponent after handing Omak High in Washington State a 13 point defeat last week.

They are considered by most to be the best team in B.C. and they are led by perhaps the best quarterback in the province, Cam Bedore.

Bedore has already thrown for 581 yards with 8 touchdowns and rushed for 181 yards and four more touchdowns.

If Bedore isn't doing it himself then he is likely hooking up with his favourite air target John Watson.

On the defensive side of the football Jake Heathcote already has an impressive 22 tackles and 4 sacks.

Bonita Vista

Bonita Vista is coming off a heartbreaker of a loss to Olympian 23-21 in the Barons' closest game of the season.

The Barons are currently ranked 51st in their region in the ultra competitive state of California.

Last week against Olympian the Barons defence gave up over 220 yards on the ground but took away the Olympian passing game allowing only 69 yards.

The Call

This is a tough game for me to make a call on because I haven't even seen so much as a video clip of Bonita Vista.

My guess is that this is likely going to come down to what team can keep the emotional aspect of this game in check.

W.J. Mouat will likely have one of their largest crowds in school history watching and that could be a factor if they have a little too much adrenaline in the tank and take penalties early.

Bonita Vista will have the pressure of representing the country that dominates the football world and not wanting to come back home with a loss on their belt.

This much is for sure, this Friday Abbotsford is the place to be if you are a football fan.