Wilmington already has wrapped up the Class AA Region 3 title in District 10.

But don't think the Greyhounds have nothing to play for this week, warns Slippery Rock High School football coach Clyde Conti.

"What am I looking for?" Conti asked. "I'm looking for a team that is 7-0. That's what I'm looking for. I'm looking for the top team in District 10 going for an undefeated record."

Slippery Rock is looking for another feather in its cap when the Rockets travel to Wilmington for a 7 p.m. kickoff Friday.

After a 0-4 start, the Rockets have won three straight games, bumping preseason region favorite Hickory 17-14 last week.

Slippery Rock (3-4, 3-3) has found new life with David Bauer carrying the football. The senior has gained 281 yards during the three-game resurgence.

Craig Bicehouse has also been invaluable as the kicker, booting a 37-yard field goal against the Hornets that proved to be the margin of victory.

The Rockets defense has been the one constant this season, giving teams fits with their aggressive play.

The one thing that is missing from the Slippery Rock equation is team speed, which is a dangerous deficiency against Wilmington.

The Greyhounds have speed to burn at almost every position, and boast an eclectic and dangerous band of running backs.

Wilmington has four players who have rushed for more than 200 yards this season. Scott Lewis leads the team with 305 yards rushing on 35 carries. Forrest Minteer is just two yards behind him.

Count quarterback Jake Reiber in that group. He has rushed for 211 yards and has thrown for 413 more.

It's enough to make an opposing coach's head spin.

"They're an exciting team to go watch," Conti said. "All their backs can fly. They have big-play capability."

And most of them are young.

Wilmington was shooting for 2006 to be the season in which it would make a run at the region crown. To have it come a year early has been a bonus for Greyhounds coach Terry Verrelli.

"People are going to have to worry about Wilmington in this region for the next four years," Conti said.

No one thought to worry about Wilmington this season.

That's because the Greyhounds had just one starter returning on offense and none on defense.

"We have a lot of young kids," Verrelli said. "That's made it very surprising what we've done. No one expects to challenge for a title with all new kids."

As good as the Greyhounds' offense has been this season, the defense might be better.

Wilmington has given up only 51 points this season, with 28 coming in the first half against Hickory, which resulted in a 69-28 victory.

Whatever happens Friday night, Conti is just happy to get the opportunity to play the best that the district has to offer.

"We're excited to go over there," Conti said.