Friday night’s winner will add a tally to the win column but will also claim Newberry County bragging rights.

Mid-Carolina travels to Whitmire to face its county rival for a 7:30 p.m. kickoff.

Whitmire started regular season play last week vs. Ridge Spring-Monetta and the Trojans shutout Whitmire 27-0.

Last year, Whitmire lost to Mid-Carolina’ 28-0, but the Wolverines will lean on quarterback Traccey Ruff for another stellar performance.

Ruff led the team in passing and rushing vs. Ridge Spring-Monetta. Ruff threw for 47 yards and rushed for another 21 yards. The offense struggled last week gaining only 80 total yards. The Wolverines need more contributions, offensively.

The Wolverines run out of a two-back shotgun spread and its version differs slightly from other spread offenses. Last week vs. Ridge Spring-Monetta, Whitmire called nearly five run plays to every one passing play.

Whitmire will look to set-up the run early vs. Mid-Carolina. The Wolverines’ task is cut out for them as Mid-Carolina relies heavily on its defense.

“Running the ball and our defense are our strengths,”

Mid-Carolina showed its potential in last week’s scrimmage vs. Union County. Mid-Carolina took advantage of great field position late in the game to defeat the host Yellow Jackets team.

Mid-Carolina head coach Louie Alexander says Whitmire’s offense differs from what he saw last week vs. Union County.

“Whitmire’s style of spread is a little different, because they use a pistol back to help with blocking,” Alexander said about Whitmire’s two-back shotgun spread.

Mid-Carolina’s starting quarterback Kendall Lathrop saw some action last year but solely directs the team this year. Alexander expects big things from his quarterback Kendall Lathrop.

“We got to get better throwing and catching the ball. We’re working on it every day,” Alexander said. “He (Lathrop) throws the ball well but we have to be able to do the basics before we call lots of passing plays.”

On offense, Mid-Carolina runs a double-wing offense. Running back Clarence rushed for 736 yards in ’09 and returns as leader in the backfield. Defensive standout and linebacker Devin Holland will also see time at running back. Mid-Carolina has two returning offensive lineman and coach Alexander sees this group as the offensive leader.

“Our success is how well the offensive and defensive lines perform,” Alexander added.

Come Friday, Whitmire will look to exploit Mid-Carolina’s weaknesses at the line and in the kicking game, so when Saturday comes, the Wolverines can walk around Newberry County with a little extra hop in its step.

Players to watch

WCS: QB Traccey Ruff, OL/DL Seth Shouse, WR/DB Doug Inman

Mid-Caroina: RB Clarence Turner, RB/LB Devin Holland and QB Kenall Lathrop