Monticello — The Wayne County Cardinals, 2-2 on the season and coming off a disappointing 41-7 loss at Somerset, host rival Russell County this Friday night at Jewell Field. The Lakers are 2-3 on the season and coming off an impressive 62-20 district win over Logan County. The contest marks the 32nd meeting between the two schools, with the Cards winning five of the last six in the series, including a 20-17 win at Laker Field in 2007.

Russell County is the oldest rival on the Cards' schedule and Wayne County has faced the Lakers more than any other opponent in the program's history.

"Russell County was always a big district rival when I played, but now that we are in different districts and play in different classes, I think the game is certainly different. We look forward to playing them and I think it is great to have them on the schedule, we've had some great battles the last few years," said head coach Shawn Thompson.

The Lakers are 2-3 on the season with losses coming to Danville 44-31, Pulaski County 40-23 and Franklin Simpson 35-28. Russell County averages 40 points per game, led by talented senior quarterback Bryon Ellis.

Ellis is a dual-threat in the backfield, rushing 42 times for 254 yards with 4 touchdowns and completing 38 of 71 passes for 626 yards and 7 scores, through 4 games.

"Ellis is one of this area's best quarterbacks and has all the tools, plus experience. Russell County's offense starts with him, but they have four or five kids that touch the football and do good things. Their skill kids are very talented and can run, as well as catch the football. They also are running a new offense with the Double Wing and have a very potent offense," said Thompson.

Landon Meece is one of the Lakers best offensive weapons and totaled 15 carries for 133 yards, with 4 touchdowns, through four games.

"Watching them on tape, they are a much improved football team and play with a lot of confidence. Defensively we'll have to play with a lot of focus and make sure we carry out our assignments. We have to do a better job against the big play," said Thompson.

Last week Somerset totaled 435 yards of offense and produced 9 plays of

15 yards, or more.

"We had to move some guys around and made some mistakes, hopefully we'll learn from that and correct a lot of the silly mistakes," said Thompson.

Wayne County will try to get the offense back on track, after putting up just 7 points and 268 yards last week. The Lakers base out of a 30 look and allow 28.2 points per game.

"We have to do a better job up front and our blocking must improve in all areas. Another thing we have to do is sustain drives and make the most of our scoring opportunities. We move the ball well and get near the red zone and for whatever reason we have a bad play or two, which stalls the drive," said Thompson.

A bright spot in last week's loss was the career rushing night of junior quarterback, Zack Stephenson. Stephenson rushed 15 times for 121 yards, as the Cards rushed 43 times for 240 yards.

"Zack ran the ball very hard and made some big plays. I was proud of his effort and we also have to credit the blocking of the other backs. D.J. Hall is known for his running, but he's also one of our best blockers," said Thompson.

Hall finished with 44 yards on 12 attempts, despite missing lots of the second half with cramps.

Wayne County will also be without the services of senior two-way starter Dustin Denney. Denney a starter on both sides of the ball and the squad's punter, suffered a knee-injury and is out.

"Dustin is a kid that never comes off the field and we miss his experience, athletic ability and leadership. Hopefully we'll get him back soon," said Thompson.

What must the Cards do to improve to 3-2 and notch their third straight win over the Lakers?

"I think it all starts up front with who wins the battle in the trenches. Both sides of the ball we need to play with a high level of intensity and focus. Eliminate turnovers and penalties on offense, be sound in special teams, plus defensively we need to force some turnovers," said Thompson.

The game is also "Youth League Night" on the 2008 schedule, as the 2008 season has over 100 participants in grades 3-6.

"Those guys are our future, so we want to recognize them and I'm sure they'll be excited to get out on the field at halftime. Hopefully we'll play a game that gives everybody something to be excited about. Russell County has a very good football team and we know we'll have to play well," said Thompson.

Kickoff is set for 8 p.m. Friday night, at Wayne County's Jewell Field.