Tonight's Empire Football League game has "big" written all over it for the Watertown Red and Black.

For so many reasons.

The team has a chance to avenge its one-point loss to the Vermont Ice Storm in last year's title game, but Watertown isn't merely out to exorcise the demons of 2007. Thoughts of revenge must be set aside because, after a rare 0-2 start, the Red and Black is trying to save 2008.

"After all those years of being the prominent team, when 3-2 would have been a rough start, I knew this year would be just the opposite," head coach George Ashcraft said. "I knew this would be a rebuilding year."

The team has the chance tonight to make more progress than it has all year. Starting quarterback Brian Green has returned, and he showed in a preseason win over Massena that his arm is to be respected.

Green's presence also allows running back Anthony Noel, who played QB in the two losses, to return to his natural position.

Having all its parts back might make the Red and Black's winless record a bit deceiving.

"We're not used to not winning," Noel said. "We definitely have a point to make. We've been excited for this game since the beginning of the year. We plan to come out strong and put points on the board."

Watertown had two weeks to construct a game plan to compete against the defending champions. But it didn't take any time off during the bye week.

"The attitude was super for having a week off," Ashcraft said. "These guys aren't ready to pack it in for any reason and say the season's over."

Still, the memory of two one-point losses a year ago lingers.

"This game means a lot," receiver Lester Cole said. "It's like the championship all over again."