And you thought the cross-town classic between Naperville North and Naperville Central couldn't get any bigger.

The 26th annual grudge match is primed to become the most electric battle ever between the two football powerhouses.

The game will mark the first time in recent memory the Redhawks and the Huskies meet this late in the season with undefeated records. Both teams also boast impressive state rankings, with Central in the top spot and North at No. 4.

With a state ranking, conference title and city bragging rights on the line, the contest is expected to draw the biggest crowd in its history.

An estimated 10,000 people - 1,000 more than last year - are expected to attend Friday night's game. To accommodate the fans, officials relocated the 7:30 p.m. kickoff to North Central College's Cardinal Stadium.

The move is intended to alleviate overcrowding at the high schools' stadiums. At either campus, people spill out of the bleachers during the big game and ring the field.

In some spots, spectators stand five or six deep trying to get a view of the field. And don't even ask about parking - it's a nightmare.

"It's a relief not to have it this year," said North Athletic Director Neil McCauley, whose school hosted last year's game.

With 7,000 seats, the college offers more room than both high schools combined. North Central bolstered its seating this week by adding temporary bleachers around the field.

Spectators also will be allowed to stand on the stadium track to watch the game.

The college offered its facilities to the district as a goodwill gesture between institutions. It will handle all the field preparations and post-game clean-up at no charge to Naperville Unit District 203.

Central, which is technically the home team, will keep the gate receipts. The Redhawks' booster club will run the concession stand.

In return, the contest gives the high school players the rare opportunity to play on a collegiate football field. Teams typically don't get that chance unless they make the state championships in November.

"It's going to be a good experience for the kids to have it over there," McCauley said. "It's an opportunity for them to see what it's like to play in a college stadium."

North Central Athletic Director Walter Johnson acknowledges his college may lose money by hosting the event. He said he hopes, however, to leave an indelible, positive image of the campus with the 10,000 people - mostly Naperville residents - who attend the game.

"We get a chance to have the eyes of Naperville on us," Johnson said. "If we're good hosts, they will walk away with a good feeling."

Johnson wants lingering goodwill to lure people back to the stadium less than 12 hours later for North Central's homecoming game. The 3-2 Cardinals will take on undefeated Millikin University at 1 p.m.

Anyone who brings at ticket stub from the previous night's game will receive half-price admission.

Four crews will work throughout the night and morning to prepare the field for Saturday's game. Johnson realizes the gamble involved with hosting back-to-back games, but he doesn't expect any problems.

"We went into it understanding the risks," he said. "We decided to take the risk."

Though the stadium is being touted as a neutral site, Johnson has gone to great lengths to ensure Central enjoys the perks of being the home team. The field will be decorated with red and white markings - conveniently North Central's colors - and Redhawk players will run through an inflatable red helmet as they enter the field.

"This is Central's home game," Johnson said. "We want to make this as comfortable as possible for them. If they have it here again next year, we'll do the same thing for North."