The Pinecrest defense will be tested by the most multi-faceted offense it has seen to date when it entertains West Johnston tonight on Military Appreciation Night.

The 17th-ranked Patriots (Carolina Preps) take a 3-0 record to the 7:30 p.m. kickoff against a Wildcat squad that is 1-2, but still has many of the same players from a team that went 8-4 a year ago.

The main offensive weapon for the Greater Neuse River 4A Conference squad is senior running back C.J. Frederick who gained 1,406 yards and scored 17 touchdowns a year ago. He is averaging six yards per carry and has scored six times this season.

The Wildcats also have a quarterback in Chris Ferguson and several speedy wide receivers that concern Patriot coach Chris Metzger.

"Obviously, Frederick is the main feature," the coach says of the 5-foot-9, 195 pound back. "He's the real deal. He's a Barry Sanders kind of back a slicer and dicer very quick, very strong.

"I think this is by far the biggest challenge we've faced against a team that won a ton of games last year and has a lot of expectations coming into this year."

The Wildcats were defeated 41-14 by unbeaten Fuqua-Varina last week. The two teams have one common opponent. Pinecrest defeated Overhills 42-18 last Friday. West Johnston defeated the Jaguars 37-13 in their season opener.

The Patriots looked vulnerable to the ground game at times in the game at Overhills, giving up 201 yards. The leaders in tackles so far are linebacker Trent Fredericks (42) defensive back Jyhe Utley (29), linebacker Manny Sheppard (25) and defensive lineman Blade Shoop (24). Utley has been credited with four fumble recoveries and 10 different players have combined to make 10 sacks.

Quarterback Ben Williams completed nine of 12 passes last week for 154 yards, including two touchdown passes to James Baldwin and one to Patrick Moore. The senior has thrown for five scores and run for four this season.

Active and retired military personnel with identification will receive a free admission for tonight's game.

Contact Charlie Bergmann at cbergmann@ncc.rr.com