Freeport running back Ian Miller knew in the preseason the Yellowjackets' final season at James Swartz Field wouldn't be a typical year.

A lot of people would be coming back to see Freeport played its last season at the stadium that's been used since 1940.

That's why Miller was motivated to make this season special before the Yellowjackets move to a field the district is building on the high school's campus in Buffalo Township.

Should this Friday's Allegheny Conference matchup at 7 p.m. at Deer Lakes be the last game — the Yellowjackets could get a home playoff game — Freeport has a chance to make it special.

A win over the Lancers would put the Yellowjackets, who are 5-1 overall and 5-0 in conference, in the driver's seat to win their first conference crown since they won back-to-back in 2011-12.

“It's definitely somewhat of a weight on our shoulders being the 75th year, being the grand finale and the last season we're here,” Miller said, who leads Freeport with 400 rushing yards, in the preseason. “That's not going to be in our heads. We're only focused on the game ahead.”

The game ahead also features a team in the midst of a special season. Deer Lakes is 5-1, including a 4-1 conference mark, which is the best start in school history.

The Lancers' only other WPIAL playoff appearance in school history came in 2010. Deer Lakes coach Steve Sciullo didn't return a call seeking comment.

The Lancers are led by Hunter Burns, who averages 6.59 yards per carry and is among the WPIAL's leaders with 1,220 yards.

“They are big, strong and powerful up front,” Freeport coach John Gaillot said. “Everyone (on defense) needs to play their positions. We've been preaching that all year.”

The Yellowjackets offense bounced back against Highlands last week, avoiding the turnovers that sunk them in a loss against Steel Valley. Freeport lost the ball six times against the Ironmen.

Ryan Weigold, who is second in the county with 1,125 yards passing, was held to 91 yards against Highlands, but threw for a score and ran for another.

The Lancers have limited opponents to 76 points.

Freeport needs a few more wins to get an opportunity to send Swartz Field out with a playoff win. A win over Deer Lakes would go a long way toward making that happen.

“That was our goal at the beginning: make the playoffs, try to win the championship and get one more game at the borough,” Gaillot said. “It's more special, the last season there. We talk about it all the time. We want to have one more game at the borough. Our goal is to win that game.”

Karns City at Central Tech

7 p.m. Friday

What to look for: The Gremlins have scored between 41 and 49 points in every game this season and have allowed a total of 27, posting three shutouts. ... KC rushed for 1,623 yards through its first five games with no one player rushing for as much as 350. ... Central Tech is 4-2 this season after posting a 6-5 mark last year, the Falcons' first winning campaign since 1994. ... Before losing 48-6 to Cathedral Prep last week, Central Tech was averaging 46 points per game. ... KC defeated the Falcons last year, 43-16.

Slippery Rock at General McLane

7 p.m. Friday

What to look for: Slippery Rock beat Warren last week 42-35 despite missing five starters on defense. The Rockets (4-2) may use this week to get healthy before a big game Oct. 23 vs. Sharon. ... General McLane (4-2) is led by senior QB Kyle Sult, who has thrown for 363 yards and three TDs and rushed for another 633 yards and 10 scores.

Moniteau at Brookville

7 p.m. Friday

What to look for: The Warriors (2-4) shut out Clarion last week for the first time since 1970. ... Brookville (1-5) has been shut out twice this season and has scored just 46 points in six games.

Farrell at Grove City

7 p.m. Friday

What to look for: Freshman WR Logan Lutz has been a bright spot for Grove City (1-5) with 14 receptions for 158 yards and four TDs. ... Farrell (6-0) has rushed for 1,620 yards as a team and is averaging 8.1 yards per carry. Junior RB Braxton Chapman leads the Steelers with 736 yards.

CWNC at Avonworth

7 p.m. Friday

What to look for: The Trojans improved to 6-0, 5-0 in Black Hills Conference play with a 50-7 win over Fort Cherry; The Antelopes dropped a shocker, losing 35-28 to Bishop Canevin to fall to 4-1, 5-1. ... Avonworth is led by QB Zach Chandler, who set a school record for passing yards by throwing for 405 in a non-conference win over Shenango. ... Erick Taylor leads CWNC with 940 yards passing.

Union at Clarion 7 p.m. Friday

What to look for: The Golden Knights fell to 2-4 with a 44-0 loss to Karns City; the Bobcats fell to 4-2 with a 10-0 loss to Moniteau. ... Union hasn't beaten Clarion since 1994. The Bobcats lead the all-time series 49-27-2. ... Dugan Gallagher leads the Golden Knights with 754 rushing yards.

A-C Valley at Redbank Valley 7 p.m. Friday

What to look for: The Falcons fell to 0-6 with a 23-6 loss to Punxsutawney; Redbank Valley fell to 4-2 with a 44-30 loss to Curwensville. ... A-C Valley RB Lane Chalmers piled up his second straight 100-yard game with 102 yards against the Chucks. Chalmers now has 282 yards this season. ... The Bulldogs are led by dual-threat QB Connor Shoemaker, who has rushed for 237 yards and passed for 247 this season.

Apollo-Ridge at Summit Academy 12:30 p.m. Saturday

What to look for: The Knights fell to 0-6 overall, 0-5 in conference with a 41-16 loss to Deer Lakes; Apollo-Ridge improved to 3-3, 2-3 with a 31-13 win over Shady Side Academy; Summit Academy had four turnovers result in defensive touchdowns last week.