Instead of the hundreds of fans appearing at a typical Oxford varsity football game, perhaps thousands will be on hand tonight for a unique celebration tonight.

During halftime of Oxford's game against Sidney, the gridiron will be renamed Tony Abbott Field, to honor the retired Oxford teacher and varsity football coach. Current Oxford head coach Ray Dayton was a student at Harpursville while Abbott was finishing his coaching tenure, and had the opportunity to play against Abbott's successor, John Curtis. "I always respected Oxford for its class and toughness, and that's a good way to describe Tony: Tough and classy," Dayton said. "He's helped me out every step of the way. We have him come in each year to talk to the kids about the tradition of Oxford football, and that's a special moment in our program every year. The kids enjoy having him around, and he's a bigger-than-life personality who really has the best interests of kids at heart. I can't think of anybody who met him who had a bad word to say."

One of Oxford's all-time great football players, Mike Chrystie, didn't have the opportunity to play for Abbott, but did serve as Abbott's ball boy for several years before strapping on the pads for Curtis in the late 1990s. "Having been Mr. Abbott's ball boy and being involved with Oxford football ever since, I can't think of anyone who meant more to Oxford football than Mr. Abbott," Chrystie said, who is now the head varsity football coach at Norwich. “He has been my teacher, friend, and mentor, and there is no one more deserving than him."

While Abbott will duly take center stage for a few minutes, the Blackhawks will attempt to take care of business – and pick up their first win – against the high-scoring Warriors. Sidney has scored 72 points in two games, but as Dayton aptly pointed out, the Warriors have also allowed 72 points.

"We know they will put points on the board, and (Sidney) Coach (Jeff) Matthews does a great job running their system," Dayton said. "Their offense is hard to replicate in practice, and on defense, they like to bring pressure. How we handle that pressure will determine how we'll do."

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Five other football games are on tap for the fourth week of the season. Below is a look at each contest:

Owego (2-0) at Norwich (1-1), Friday, 7 p.m.

Owego brings a perfect record – and a potent offense – to Norwich High School Friday night. The Indians average better than 150 yards of passing per game, and complement that with a good running game. "We'll probably see one of the best receivers we'll see all season, and they have a physical team that is well disciplined," said Norwich coach Mike Chrystie. "Stopping their offense will be a challenge." Norwich’s own offense hit its stride a week ago against Oneonta, and shed the turnovers that plagued it in a week one loss to Vestal. "Offensively, we know it's on us," Chrystie said. "We know we need to block well and execute." Norwich won last year's encounter with the Indians making a last-second defensive stop. Before that, the Tornado were eliminated by Owego from the 2010 Class B playoffs, 32-6.

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