OTTUMWA — The big “O” that envelops the hill just below the Schafer Stadium Fieldhouse in Ottumwa is an identifiable logo for most prep football fans in the state.

It represents a winning tradition.

The entrenched confines of Ottumwa’s home stadium provide fans with a “dug-in” viewing experience of the Ottumwa Bulldog football squad.

The makeup of the playing facility enables the Bulldogs to have a distinct home-field advantage that most teams aren’t afforded.

It’s time to protect that home playing surface and celebrate a victory.

After a 39-10 setback at the hands of fourth-ranked Southeast Polk in the Bulldogs’ home opener last Friday, a win is needed for head coach Zach Wigle’s squad when they host Newton tonight.

It could go a long way to what should be a productive season.

“To get a win would be huge for us and it’s very doable,” said Wigle.

The numeric formula of 22-17 says it all in the Newton-Ottumwa series. That’s the advantage the Cardinals hold.

Tonight will be the 40th installment of the series. The Cardinals and head coach Ed Ergenbright will parade down the hill just below that fieldhouse to put week No. 2 in the books.

Last year the Cardinals did that same stroll and Bulldog fans had to cover their eyes. Newton throttled Ottumwa 48-7, but lost virtually all of its starters from that 9-2 playoff team from a year ago.

To win this evening, Ottumwa will have to stop Ergenbright’s three-horse backfield. Newton rushed for close to 300 yards in a 27-13 victory over Council Bluffs Lincoln in week one. Mike Flanagan (113 yards), Josh Illingworth (99 yards) and Gavin Rodewald (71 yards) comprised most of that yardage.

What you see is what you get with Newton. There is no mystery — the Cardinals will run the ball and throw in a pass when warranted.

“They’re a good team. They’re not going to do anything tricky. We just need to align properly,” said Wigle.

Ottumwa’s turnovers versus Polk led to 17 points. Those will have to be eliminated, especially with Newton’s ball-control offense capable of eating clock.