Tonight’s the night, Lafayette and Oxford fans.

It’s the Crosstown Classic between the Chargers and Commodores on the Lafayette campus (game time is set for 7 p.m.).

This is a highlight for the community every year because it brings out the best in competitiveness from the bands and cheerleaders to the football players. We are proud of both schools, so for many of us, it is a chance to celebrate the greatness of both, at once.

Like any rivalry, you can throw out the records. Last year Lafayette entered the game winless but shocked Oxford in a convincing upset and went on to win a state championship.

This year Oxford would be considered the favorite but who knows?

We’re not really into who wins the game, however. For us, this is a moment to celebrate the competition among our community’s strong schools. Both Lafayette and Oxford have made continual improvement in recent years to become some of the strongest in the state academically and athletically.

So here is to another memorable Crosstown Classic. The weather forecast calls for a clear, near perfect cool night.

There will be tailgating. There will be bands playing. And there will be an overflow crowd.

Bring it on.