Florida and Florida State renew their annual rivalry Saturday in a game with huge national championship implications.

The night before, however, a smaller version of the Gators and 'Noles will play for a national title of their own. The Augusta 'Noles and the Florida Gators, of Kissimmee, Fla. will meet Friday for the 10-and-under title in the Offense-Defense World Youth Football Classic in Orlando, Fla.

Augusta is led by head coach Leroy Craig. In Craig's six previous seasons with the 'Noles, they have reached the title game every year. In 2002, the 'Noles brought home what stands as their only championship. Because of the number of second-place finishes since then, Craig says his team is driven to get over that hump.

"We're due. We're overdue," Craig said. "We've finished second the past five years and it's time for us to get back on top."

Last season, the 'Noles reached the title game in Knoxville, Tenn. Augusta outlasted all but one of the 191 teams in the field but couldn't get past Oklahoma for the championship.

"They were just better than us. Hopefully they still have that bitter taste in their mouth and won't let that happen this year," Craig said of his team.

The 'Noles play their home games in New Ellenton. Because of what is considered "a conflict of interest" with the Augusta Recreation and Parks Department, the team is forced to share a home with a division opponent. The team is able to practice at McDuffie Woods Park on Old McDuffie Road.

"If it wasn't for coach (Donald) Perry, we would have had to play all of our games on the road," Craig said of the New Ellenton coach agreeing to share his home field. "But it was just like playing on the road, anyway."

The 'Noles finished the regular season 9-3, winning their division and advancing to the regional championship in Columbus, Ga., where they defeated the Columbia Canes. The win propelled Augusta back into the World Youth Football Classic.

"We're really excited about it," Craig said. "The kids have been working hard and it's a great way for them to get notoriety."

Augusta's strength is its rushing attack. Ladall Mosher, 10, keys the ground game and has 11 touchdowns and close to 1,000 yards. Mosher, the league's leading rusher according to Craig, broke a 50-yard run late in the regional championship to punch the 'Noles' ticket to Orlando.

The Barton Chapel Elementary School student has plenty of confidence to go along with his talent. When asked what he looks forward to the most about the matchup with the Gators, he didn't hesitate.

"I'm looking forward to scoring a touchdown so that I can do my dance," he said.

Reach Joey Jones at (706) 724-0851 or christopher.jones@augustahcronicle.com.