Soccer derbies create an atmosphere that epitomize the importance of the sport to its fans and players in and around the area.

It's what makes fans' hearts beat out of their chests as the nerves rise and the expectation of claiming bragging rights for the year begins.

At 7 p.m. Thursday (Sept. 19) at William Eiserman Stadium on the campus of Grayslake Central, the host Rams welcome neighbor and cross-town rival Grayslake North in a Northern Lake County Conference contest that promises excitement for all on hand.

The mood will be elevated further from the fact that the hosts are ranked third in the Chicagoland Soccer Class AA Super 7 poll, and the visitors are ranked fourth.

"This is such a big night for both teams," began Rams captain Anderson Chevrier, who began his prep career four years ago as manager Keith Andersson took over the program.

"Both teams know each really well,” he said. “Last year we beat them with a goal in the last five-six minutes. So, they will be coming hard after us tonight.

"It's an exciting night for both teams, and I know I cannot wait for this game."

The two clubs are separated by less than 2.5 miles. With another spectacular night of weather expected, there's no doubt the place will be rocking.

"All rivalries are difficult, and Adam's teams are always a tough opponent," said Andersson. “This, obviously, is one game the boys look forward to every year.”

Adam DeCaluwe, now in his 19th season at Grayslake North, led the seventh-seeded Knights to an upset win over league power Wauconda in a regional title match a year ago. Grayslake North took eventual Class AA state champion Crystal Lake South to the brink in a sectional semifinal that went to overtime.

"We've had some real quality play from our boys," said DeCaluwe. “We hope it continues tonight. Another good overall team performance is going to be required to top a great team like Central.

"Javi Villegas (four goals), Sam Soriano (four assists), Steven Valdivia, Maksim Dupor and Brady Ronin have certainly done their part in helping us find success thus far with their scoring and setting others up.

"The players behind the ball have done a tremendous job so far beginning with our keeper Gio Rodriguez, who brings composure and leadership. Our captains, Chris VonBriesen and Alonso Morales, have solidified our backline."

The Knights are 5-1-0 overall, and 1-0-0 in league play after a 5-1 victory over Grant.

In a scheduling oddity, Grayslake Central will play its complete seven-match league run in succession starting Thursday (Sept. 19) through Oct. 10.

"(This) game … is perhaps the toughest of them all," Andersson said.

"There's a lot at stake,” Anderson Chevrier said. “For North, they have a little more incentive because Damian (Sereno) came over from North and is playing for us this season."

Four-year veteran Chevrier plays alongside fellow captain and senior Jake Clement in the Rams three-back system. Junior Uriel Alonso ably fills out the trio.

"I think we're really coming together as a unit in the back. Michal Taradys, just playing great in goal for us, has meant a lot after we lost our two-time all-state keeper Uriel Garcia-Perez to graduation," said Chevrier.

"Jaziel (Alonso) has been great at the six. That’s been huge for us after Nick Molochnnikov and (all-stater) Mitchell Fein both went off to college."

"Clement and Chevrier have been our most consistent players thus far," said Andersson. “Evan Swiderski has been a real pleasant surprise for us as well.”

The Rams (5-2-1) got off to a flying start when they defeated reigning Class 3A state champion New Trier at the host school’s Northside College Showcase. The win led them into the final, where they lost in pens to Class 3A state runnerup Lyons.

"(Just) a great start to our season and that tournament, plus a super-tough early season schedule against 3A teams Loyola, Libertyville and Warren will make us better as the season goes along," offered Chevrier, who is set to play next fall at Trevecca Nazarene. The decision for the classy backline star was settled after a visit to Nashville during his 2023 spring break.

"Everything about the university was terrific, including the coaching staff, which will give me every opportunity to play right away," said Chevrier, who plans on majoring in business management.

"Anderson is just a great young man, who has been an amazing player, leader and captain for us," said his manager.