Rochester High School coach Gene Matsook put on his best poker face, making it clear this week that his team has bigger and better goals than fighting for the naming rights of a certain continuous steel truss bridge spanning the Ohio River.

"I know the mayors made that bet years ago to rename the Rochester-Monaca Bridge based on who won the football game," he said. "But ironically, our kids don't even care about that doggone bridge. It's to the point now that their goals are bigger and better. We're out to win Big Seven Conference titles, WPIAL championships and state titles."

Of course, it's worth noting that Matsook did not refer to the 23-year-old span linking the two Beaver County communities in the reverse. Had he done so, that really would have been news.

Regardless of what the Rams' coaches and players really feel as they head into Saturday night's "Battle of the Bridge" clash against Big Seven Conference rival Monaca at Rochester Stadium, it's certain that this game carries with it special meaning on many fronts.

After 83 meetings between the schools dating back to 1913, the venerable series will come to a close. Monaca High School will merge with neighboring Center High School next year to become Central Valley. As a result, whoever wins the final meeting in this longtime rivalry will have bragging rights in perpetuity.

"It's a sad thing to see the rivalry go," said Monaca coach Sam Cercone, a 1992 Monaca alumnus who, as yet, does not know where he will coach next season. "In the community and town itself, it's a big deal. Everybody looks forward to it every year. Honestly, if both teams went into the game with an 0-8 record, it'd still be a big game."

"It's a shame the series is ending, but it comes down to enrollment issues in our region," Matsook said. "I agree with Sam, though; when it comes to this game, you can toss out the record books."

Given each team's record in 2009, that's not necessary.

The Rams enter the game with an 8-0 record (7-0 in conference). Most impressively, they boast a nasty, ball-hawking defense that has given up a scant 33 points (second-best in Class A behind Clairton, which has allowed 31). In eight games, only one opponent has scored more than a single touchdown -- Riverview managed two in a 54-14 loss -- and the Rams have four shutouts.

They are led by a trio of experienced players, senior defensive backs Derek Gallagher (5-10, 180) and Stephone Oakley (5-9, 170), and junior linebacker Devon Glass (5-9, 195).

"They're tremendous this season," said Cercone.

Offensively, Rochester relies upon running back Trey Johnson. A shifty 5-9, 170-pound senior whom Matsook considers a catalyst, Johnson has rushed for more than 80 yards per game and scored 12 touchdowns. He is joined in the backfield by junior quarterback Jasson Adamson, who has thrown 13 touchdown passes without a single interception.

Matsook credits much of Johnson and Adamson's success to his offensive line, which includes seniors Ryan Weiss (6-2, 285), Eric Roberts (6-2, 205) and Terry Gettings (a 6-3, 200-pound tight end).

But Monaca has something to play for beyond the bridge as well, as they seek to complete the Big Seven regular season on the upswing and build on a 5-3 overall mark (4-2 in conference). The Indians, who have defeated Rochester the past two seasons, have clinched a WPIAL playoff berth and will be seeded third out of the conference.

Monaca is paced on offense by running back Joe Colangelo, a strong running 6-0, 185 senior who has rushed for more than 1,000 yards in eight games.

Sophomore QB Matt Bradford (6-1, 180) and senior OL Nate Lalama (6-1, 230) are also enjoying solid seasons.

During the Indians' final home game against Neshannock last Friday, the school welcomed home hundreds of former lettermen, coaches and cheerleaders with the oldest former player in attendance having graduated in 1940. "We had a great turnout considering the weather made it was such a cruddy night," said Cercone. "It was very emotional."

But Matsook -- who spoke with Cercone for more than an hour on the phone earlier this week -- can't worry about playing against Monaca alumni or community. For him, it's about facing the players on the field, one more time.

"Our seniors haven't beaten them in two years, so we have to mix things up and get at it," he said, dropping his poker face long enough to add: "Oh, and we'll always refer to it as the Rochester-Monaca Bridge."

• What: Monaca at Rochester.

• When: 7:30 p.m. Saturday.

• Where: Rochester Stadium.

• The skinny: This is the final game in the Battle for the Bridge with Monaca and Center merging to form Central Valley High School.

Mike White's "High School Sports Edition" videos are featured exclusively on PG+, a members-only web site from the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. Our introduction to PG+ gives you all the details.