The Bulldogs have a chance to remain undefeated while the Warriors can take the city crown this weekend.

Nansemond River High School (2-2) at King’s Fork High School (4-0)

This matchup has all the makings of being the most exciting this weekend in South Hampton Roads. The Bulldogs and Warriors are considered two of the better teams in their regions and possibility throughout the state this season. However, only one of them can come out with the victory Friday night at the Kennel.

Last season, the Bulldogs went on the road and dismantled the Warriors with a score of 46-7. It was one of the biggest losses NRHS took last season. This week, King’s Fork is home and coming off of its fourth consecutive win this season. Nansemond River is recovering from a 40-6 loss to Indian River High School.

King’s Fork remains one of the few undefeated teams in the area, and Nansemond River will be the Bulldogs’ biggest test yet.

“They are a really good football team,” Coach Scottie Littles said. “It’s not about what they do, but they have good players that do it well. Conyers has done a really good job with the program. This will be the best team we’ve played so far, but we feel like we are pretty good as well.”

The Warriors will have to account for Leo Wethington. The junior has more than 600 yards rushing and more than six touchdowns this season. King’s Fork also has playmakers on the outside that will need to be accounted for. Defensively, the Bulldogs have been forcing turnovers at a rapid rate. Against Grassfield High School last weekend, they returned two interceptions for touchdowns and had five total.

Coach Justin Conyers knows what’s at stake for the Warriors and feels good about the team’s preparation this week. After defeating Lakeland High School last week, they have a chance to regain the annual city title. A consistent message from Conyers to his team is wanting to be the best in the city of Suffolk.

“I think we are confident in ourselves and in our game plan,” Conyers said. “We are halfway towards one of our goals, which is city champions. Our kids want this one bad, and we feel good about this one.”

Nansemond River is multi-faceted in the playmakers they have for their offense. Kevin Johnson is always a threat as well as Rashaad Williams, George Wise and others. It’s going to take a total team effort against a stout Bulldogs defense.

Both coaches feel some of the underlying keys to this game will be composure. Both teams know each other well and emotions will be high; however, remaining poised and calm could be a deciding factor.

“I think this is going to be a good game,” Littles said. “We are looking forward to the challenge. We have to play with emotion but not emotional.”

“We can’t make critical mistakes,” Conyers said. “Focus will be a big part of this game.”

Nansemond River will be at King’s Fork at 7 p.m. Friday.

Nansemond-Suffolk Academy (5-0) at Atlantic Shores Christian School (2-3)

The Saints will play their first game this season since being ranked No. 1 in the Virginia Independent Schools Athletic Association Division II poll. The Saints have been on a roll so far this season, and they hope that continues against Atlantic Shores. Last season, NSA won 56-26. With a win Friday night, NSA can equal their win total from last season.

NSA has long used the one-game-at-a-time approach. They have been particularly impressive dealing with obstacles that have come their way. NSA averages around 40 points a game and will try to keep that up again Friday night.

NSA will play at Atlantic Shores at 7 p.m. Friday.

Lakeland High School (0-4) vs. Western Branch High School (0-4)

Either Lakeland or Western Branch will walk away from the Cavaliers’ field on Friday with their first win of the night. The Cavaliers feel good about their preparation and believe they will emerge the victors.

“It’s been a great week of practice so far,” Coach Kevin Knight said. “We’ve been able to fly around and hit each other a little bit.”

Knight feels like it’s important to get off to a fast start against Western Branch. Offensively, he wants to get quarterback Tyquan Holloman going early so that the rest of the offense will follow.

The Cavs haven’t been able to top 30 points yet this year but they feel that Friday night could give them a chance to start that momentum.

Lakeland will be at home against Western Branch at 7 p.m. Friday.