Freeport's Garret Schaffhauser (No. 15) blocks a pass from Burrell's Seth Tatrn (No. 1) during a WPIAL Class 3A Allegheny Conference game in September 2017.

FREEPORT — Freeport's football series with Apollo-Ridge has been like a yo-yo in recent years.

The teams have split their past six meetings, the Yellowjackets winning in 2009, 2011 and 2015, the Vikings in 2010, 2014 and last year.

The two teams get together at 7 p.m. Friday at Freeport's stadium in a key Class 3A Allegheny Conference game.

The Yellowjackets (4-1, 3-0) are trying to stay unbeaten in the conference and keep pace with Seton-LaSalle at the top. The Vikings (4-2, 2-2) are trying to nose into playoff position.

Freeport is giving up 15 points per game — the least in the conference — and has been buoyed by its linebacker play. Inside linebackers Austin Kemp (48 tackles) and Conor Selinger (34) lead the team in tackles.

Apollo-Ridge senior quarterback Kyle Fitzroy is a third-year starter. He has thrown for 639 yards and six touchdowns and has rushed for 327 yards and three TDs.

Apollo-Ridge faded late in losses to Shady Side Academy and Seton-LaSalle “and youth was a big part of that,” Skiba said. “Our young kids got tired, worn down. They're not that physically strong yet.”

A full report will appear in the Butler Eagle.