ALBANY, GA -- Panthers Linebacker Larry Edwards has said in the past he has a certain disdain for the Columbus Lions. Though, Edwards can’t help but love what the team from up north earned last year- a SIFL Championship.

And whichever team wins between Albany and Columbus on Saturday night will be a large step closer to the SIFL Championship in 2011.

The Albany Panthers cap off a crucial three-game road trip this weekend with its most meaningful test of the season. The SIFL Southern Division and home-field advantage throughout the playoffs will be at stake when the Panthers face the in-state rival Columbus Lions on Saturday night.

“Our fans here are great, so we want to get back here. Hopefully, fans can carry us with the momentum and we can come back with a championship,” Panthers defensive back Demetrie McCray said.

With only two games left in the regular season, Panthers quarterback Cecil Lester understands the importance of Saturday night's game.

“It’s a big rivalry…they won it last year. We want to be the champs, so we got to beat them to beat the champs,” Lester said.