Lutheran and North Boone have a mutual respect for each other that they don’t find on most of the other Big Northern Conference football fields.

That’s because each knows exactly what the other is going through.

“I think the kids enjoy when we play (North Boone) because it’s kind of a measuring stick for the two newest teams in the conference,” Lutheran athletic director Devin Smith said.

Lutheran and North Boone are the two newest members of the tough Big Northern football conference. While both have been competitive in many other sports, they’re still trying to catch up with the conference teams in football.

“We knew it was going to be a bit of struggle the first few years, but I feel like we’ve made some strides and are an improved program (since joining the Big Northern),” North Boone athletic director Dale Purvis said. “The kids are learning that you have to work more in the offseason, and we’re starting to catch up.”

Lutheran has gone 6-38 against Big Northern teams since joining the BNW in 2003. North Boone joined the east division in 2006 and is 5-15 against conference foes.

Though they’ve taken some beatings the first few years in football, both schools are happy to be BNC members.

“Obviously we’re not satisfied with where we’re at in the Big Northern in regards to lack of success with wins and losses,” Smith said. “But I do think that our kids and the families are learning that there is some significant commitment that needs to be made in the weight room in order to be competitive.

“It’s evident you have to have an offensive and defensive line, and you have to have depth there. I think with our other positions on the field, we’re not far away from being right there with the other teams. But the line might need some improvement in size and numbers.”

North Boone and Lutheran still have smaller numbers than the other schools, making it difficult to compete in a sport like football. Lutheran has the smallest enrollment in the conference with 452. North Boone has the second-lowest with 504.

“We are lacking in size compared to some of the other schools,” Lutheran coach Brian Kube said. “But I think the biggest thing has to do with that belief that you can compete. These kids are high school kids just like you. Winning is just ingrained in them.”

This week’s game at Lutheran will feature two teams that opened the season with a win, then took their first loss in Week 2. The Vikings and Crusaders each have balanced offenses. Lutheran passed for 257 yards and rushed for 240 in its first two games. Lutheran passed for 257 and rushed for 152.

“We do have a lot in common,” Kube said. “And it’s a big game for both programs this year. We’re both 1-1, and it should be a good battle.”

Staff reporter Emily Tropp can be reached at 815-997-1385 or etropp@rrstar.com.