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The 96th gridiron meeting between Southeastern and East Central universities is all set for 2 p.m. Saturday in Ada.

Savage Storm fans can get a jump on the rivalry tonight by attending an “E-C-who?” rally at 7 p.m. on the Southeastern campus.

There’s a lot riding on the football game this Saturday, which will be the final game of 2012 for both teams. Southeastern (4-5) is looking to break even, while the Tigers (5-5) want bragging rights on a winning season.

Also, the Savage Storm hold a slim 45-44-6 all-time advantage in the state’s second oldest football rivalry. The series began in 1909 with a 49-0 win by SE and has met every year that the schools fielded teams since 1941.

Southeastern Coach Ray Richards said there will be high emotions in Ada on Saturday, as seniors from both teams will be playing in their last collegiate football game.

He said the Tigers have some impressive weapons - as well as impressive wins over Ouachita Baptist and Arkansas Tech in the last two weeks - as they head into the rivalry game.

“They’re a very good defensive football team. They have a couple of great players,” he said. “The big thing is being able to score and move the ball against these guys.”

Tigers defensive ends Jason Catchings and Armonty Bryant will be tough to get through, Richards said. They also have a threat at tailback, and Richards said his D-line must “stop their run game and make them throw the football.”

The 2012 season will mark the 100th season of competition for SE football which fielded its first team in 1909. Southeastern has fielded a team every year since then except for the span between 1943 and 1945 during World War II. SE has played 946 games over that span, posting a 452-450-44 record.