The oldest college football rivalry in New York takes center stage this weekend, as Union College and RPI meet for the 118th time for the right to hoist the Dutchman Shoes Trophy.

“We try to have them think back to high school and the big rivalry game in high school and say, 'Think about that game.' Now, multiply that by 100 and that’s what you got here,” RPI head coach Ralph Isernia said.

“It’s what’s great about college football," Union head coach Jeff Behrman said. "These types of games are unique to college football, the rivalry, the history. You talk about a team playing each other 118 times, and it’s an honor and a privilege for the students and coaches to play in.”

Fans will pack Frank Bailey Field at Union for this one, knowing area bragging rights are on the line.

“It’s neat to see our alums come back for these games," Isernia says. "You see them in the stands. Text messages, emails from them all week long, and you just put this stuff up on the bulletin board to show the guys how lucky they are to be in this rivalry.”

More than bragging rights are on the line.

An RPI win locks up the Liberty League championship and guarantees an NCAA Division III playoff berth, while Union is fighting for its postseason life.

“It’s important enough to come out here and play the best football we can and give ourselves an opportunity to be victorious by the end of the game," Behrman says. "After that, it’s in the committee's hands to determine if we go to the playoffs or not.”

Union and RPI kick off at noon Saturday in Schenectady.