Coming off three tough section losses, Freeport was able to overwhelm West Shamokin last week - which put the Yellowjackets in a good frame of mind.

"Absolutely. We felt we needed to do that," said Freeport coach Bill Dillen. "We wanted to come out, play hard and the special teams helped.

"Hey, we still have three games and we're still in this the way the conference is. If we win these three games, we'll let the cards fly where they may," Dillen added.

Nate Kurtz and Ian Kaminski rushed for 116 yards apiece. Kurtz scored three touchdowns, Kory Micholas added two scores - one on a 38-yard punt return - and Kaminski on a 47-yard run.

Entering the game, Dillen won't be deceived by the Indians' 1-5 record (0-4 in the Allegheny Conference). They are coming off a 15-7 loss to Valley. Shady Side held a 7-0 lead into the second quarter before the Vikings (5-1, 4-0) added second-and third-quarter scores and held on to the win.

Bill Scott's 1-yard run was the Indians' lone score.

Shady Side Academy is also the school that upset the Yellowjackets two years ago that ruined the section title hopes.

"I showed the kids the film of the Valley game," said Dillen. "We had a shot at worst of being co-champs and lost.

"They're not a bad team. They're well-coached (Dave Havern) and play good defense. They just don't have a lot of kids," he added.

The Indians opened the season with 22 players, one being sophomore Jordan Foley, who is the team's starting quarterback. Foley is a Butler resident.

"He's done a nice job for them," said Dillen. "He handles the team well. We just have to go out and play a good game."

Grove City (3-2, 3-1) at Wilmington (4-1, 3-1), 7 p.m. Friday

- The stakes in this game couldn't be higher.

"I think the loser is out (of the playoffs)," said Grove City coach Jeff Bell. "I don't see how they can justify taking three teams out of (Region 3, Class AA). The loser is out unless the winner loses one of the last two games, and I don't see that happening."

Grove City's two losses have come against Greenville and Harbor Creek. Both teams are 6-0.

Wilmington comes in with a basic, but potent offense led by Marquis Alston, who has rushed for more than 500 yards this season. The Greyhounds feature a three-pronged rushing attack with Alston, Jonathan Fauzey and Mark Bruno.

Grove City, though, has its own weapons.

Jesse Alfreno is the biggest threat at both running back and receiver.

The Eagles' defense has also clamped down as of late, giving up just 14 points in their last three games.

Cochranton (0-5) at Union (0-5)

- Both teams are coming off games in which they coughed up more than 60 points to their opponent.

Union was drilled by A-C Valley 67-12 on Sept. 30 and Cochranton could do little to slow down Kennedy Catholic in a 62-32 defeat on Saturday.

The Golden Knights' did manage 195 yards of offense against the Falcons after gaining just 101 yards in their first four games this season.

Cochranton has faired a little better, averaging more than 200 yards per game this season. Its problem has been on defense.

Union-New Castle (2-4, 1-3) at Summit Academy (0-6, 0-4), 12:30 p.m., Saturday -

The Scotties aren't a high-scoring team, but on the other hand, they don't give up very many either.

Union, which is coming off a 20-6 loss to Riverside last Friday, has scored just 57 points in six games, but has surrendered just 77.

The Knights are coming off a 31-20 loss to Shenango despite 204 yards rushing a one touchdown by Colleal Cottom and 89 yards rushing and two scores from Tyrell Knight.

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

The Falcons and Bulldogs will meet each other in a crucial District 9 Class AA game for a pair of 3-2 teams.

A-C Valley is coming off its first three game win streak since 2000 and has its sights set on qualifying for the district playoffs.

"The (Class AA) playoffs are an open tournament now," said Falcons' coach Randy Lemmon. "We set a minimum of five wins to get there. So if we win two more games, we'll be in the playoffs."

The Bulldogs are coming off a 34-7 win over Brookville. Their offense is led by running backs Brandon Johnston (411 rushing yards and five TDs) and Skyler Smith (369 yards, 6 TDs.).

"Other than (Clarion-Limestone), we haven't faced a team with as much speed as we're going to see Friday night," said Lemmon.