SHARON — Jim Wildman isn't fooled by the 4-3 record sported by the Slippery Rock High football team.

The veteran Sharon coach is trying to make sure this week that his team isn't fooled, either.

“They may be one of the best 4-3 teams in the state,” Wildman said of the Rockets, who have been overwhelmed by injuries this season. “They are no slouch.”

Sharon (6-1 overall, 5-0 in Region 3-AA) is no slouch, either. The Tigers have the inside track on the region title, but first must take care of business against Slippery Rock (4-3, 3-2) at home Friday night.

Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m.

“They aren't going to come up here to play out the string,” Wildman said. “They want a good seed in the playoffs, too.”

To get there, the Rockets will again have to overcome injuries, although they will get two linebackers back Friday in juniors Calvin Rossi and Stephen Heller.

Slippery Rock will still be without starting quarterback Bailey Mertens, who hasn't played since Week 4 against Titusville.

The Rockets haven't completed a pass in the three games since and Slippery Rock coach Travis Sarver said that will have to change.

“You still have to stay balanced,” Sarver said. “Sharon is very well-coached and they will pick up on your tendencies. We're working on (the passing game). If we're able to complete a couple of passes, the defense can't stack everyone up against the run.”

Not that the strategy has worked well for opponents the last three weeks.

Despite getting nothing from its passing game, Slippery Rock has rushed for 1,152 yards in the last three games, including 464 against General McLane Friday.

Fullback Trent Porter has rushed for 571 yards the last three weeks.

Quarterback Ryan Lauster has also been a running threat for the Rockets in their option offense.

“Well, in no particular order, you need to be able to stop the fullback,” Wildman said. “If you have success with that, then you have to be able to stop the quarterback. If you have success with that, you better be able to stop the pitch.”

The key to stopping Sharon's offense is a bit more clear but certainly not easy.

Senior quarterback Andrew Tomko is the clear linchpin of the Tigers' offense. He has completed 101-of-177 passes for 1,608 yards and 19 touchdowns. He's only thrown three interceptions.

Tomko, who is 6-foot-4 and 200 pounds, has added a running element to his game this season as well, leading the team with 560 yards and eight more touchdowns on the ground.

“Tomko is a very good quarterback,” Sarver said. “He can get rid of it quickly. It's going to be a challenge for us.”

Wildman said Tomko's running ability is a new wrinkle this season. Tomko rushed for just 141 yards all of last year.

“Last year he was basically a pocket passer,” Wildman said. “He kind of just stood there and delivered the ball. This year we've tried to get him on the edge and utilize his running ability more.

“He's had a great year,” Wildman added.