On Saturday, they'll be watching each other from across the University of Illinois' Memorial Stadium during the Class 8A prep football championships.

Dan is a junior starting wide receiver at Naperville Central, and Mitch is a senior starting wide receiver at Downers Grove South. Their younger brothers, sophomores Nick Passarelli and Dustin Szczepaniak, who play special teams, were also called up to their respective varsity teams for the playoffs.

All four boys remember playing football every Sunday at their grandmother's home, but this weekend will be the first time they have ever suited up on opposite sides of the field.

The No. 1-ranked Naperville Central Redhawks (13-0) take on No. 11 Downers Grove South (10-2) in the state championship game. It'll be the third state title game appearance by Central in seven years. The last time the Redhawks played in Champaign, they won their only state title in 1999. A win would be the first title for Downers South.

All four cousins said the game will be the most important one they have ever played, but you won't hear much trash talking or bragging from them or their families. Saturday's game will also be the first time the cousins have seen each other play live.

"There's really no rivalry, but we are all going to enjoy going head-to-head in a huge game and seeing what each other has," Dan said. "I want this really, really bad, but I'm approaching it like it's just any other game."

Mitch, also not wanting to make waves at the family dinner, wouldn't even predict the outcome of the game and said as of Thursday, no friendly wagers had been placed by either family.

"All of our parents have handled it really well and just been having fun with it like us," Mitch said. "And Saturday I'm sure the best receiver will lead the best team to victory, but I can't say who that will be."

They're hesitant to boast, saying they don't want to jinx their teams or sound arrogant, but both Dan and Mitch played significant roles in their teams getting to the championship game.

Dan had five catches for 86 yards and returned a kickoff for a touchdown during the Redhawks qualifying game. Mitch led off a scoring drive during which the Mustangs went 41 yards in four plays and 27 seconds, with an 18-yard reception that brought the ball to the opposition's 22 yard line with 4.9 seconds left. A field goal then allowed the Mustangs to advance to the title game.

"My brother-in-law and I both have very talented sons that we are very proud of," said Dan's father, Rick Passarelli. "We're all looking forward to Saturday, and one of us bringing home a title."

Cousins: Both players have had big roles in their teams' success