The three football games Pinecrest and Purnell Swett have played since the inception of the 4-A Southeastern Conference in 2009 have one thing in common: Each was a thriller.

The Patriots (4-4, 1-1 SEC) and Rams (2-5, 0-2) go into tonight’s contest in Pembroke with a couple of other similarities. They have each played one of the toughest schedules in the state, and each covets a conference win in the worst way.

The five teams that have defeated the Rams have a combined record of 31-5. They’ll be very hungry in front of the home fans. In their last two games they were shut out 42-0 by Scotland County and 56-0 by Richmond Senior. They are expected to be without their top running back Andrew Hill (ankle injury) for the second game in a row.

The Patriots are led offensively by quarterback Dwayne Simpson who as gained 791 yards on 123 carries and scored 18 touchdowns. Place kicker Jackson Maples has drilled six field goals.

Head coach Chris Metzger’s Patriot squad prevailed over the Rams at home 23-20 in 2009 and 22-20 a year ago. The Rams were 16-13 winners in 2010. There is no reason to believe tonight’s contest won’t provide more thrills and chills.

Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m.