Things don't seem to be getting any easier for the Freeport football team these days.

Having lost to Kittanning 46-27 last Friday, the Yellowjackets get to face Burrell, one of the top teams in Class AA, in a 7:30 p.m. Allegheny Conference matchup.

The visiting Bucs (3-1, 1-1), however, are coming off a heartbreaking 22-21 loss to Ford City, thanks to a touchdown reception by Carter Haponski from Jesse Stivason with 2:08 left in the game.

Despite the defeat, the Bucs are led by running back Tyler Henderson, who rushed for 200 yards and two touchdowns. He also caught a scoring pass from Seth Napierkowski, who threw for 100 yards.

Burrell went 11-1 last season, losing to Aliquippa 26-7 in the WPIAL Class AA semifinals, and is expected to be one of the top teams again.

"We have the potential to be a very good football team," said Bucs' coach Tom Henderson. "We've come to a crossroad. You can either take the low road or take the high road."

The Bucs have averaged 41.3 points per game through four weeks of the season, among the best in the WPIAL and tops in Class AA.

That means nothing to Henderson as the Bucs still trail Kittanning, Valley and Ford City, all of which are 2-0 in the conference.

"It's a team game, and it doesn't matter if the offense is No. 1 in the nation," said Henderson. "Who cares? If the offense is the worst in the WPIAL and we're 2-0, I'd be happier. It would be the same with the defense."

In Freeport's game last week, an interception and a fumble recovery turned into scores for Kittanning.

"They lost to Knoch, a good Class AAA team, then beat a good McGuffey team," said Henderson. "They lost to Ford City, even though they moved the ball up and down the field.

"Last week against Kittanning was the exception. They had some real bad breaks early. They're a good football team," Henderson added.

The bright spot for the Yellowjackets (1-3, 0-2) is their offense, which broke out for 27 points. Josh Schrecengost caught touchdown passes of 39 and 62 yards from Bryan Zimmerman, who also scored on a 2-yard run.

Kevin Turner scored Freeport's other touchdown.

Freeport coach Bill Dillen can only hope last week's wild contest is already out of the players' minds so they can prepare for the Bucs.

"We have to (forget about it)," Dillen said. "That's what we have to do. If we want to compete, we have to focus.

"(Receiver) Aaron Brown is one of the best in the conference and they have two good quarterbacks and they can throw. Since we got torched last week, I'm sure (Burrell) will be ready."