Conference play begins in two weeks for Pinecrest (2-2) and next week for tonight’s opponent on the road, Western Harnett (1-3).

Both teams could use a confidence boost. The Patriots let one get away, losing a 20-7 lead in last week’s 28-20 loss to Pfafftown Reagan. The Eagles will try to break a three-game skid.

One thing is pretty certain. Unless one team or the other pulls a rabbit out of a hat, the air will not be filled with footballs. Both have averaged just over 50 yards passing per game.

The presence of senior Dwayne Simpson, who has rushed for 566 yards on 72 carries and scored 11 touchdowns, give the Patriots an edge on paper offensively. Amani Manning leads the Eagles with 229 yards on 57 attempts with no touchdowns. Another Eagle back, Laron Gilchrist, is the leading scorer with five TDs.

Coming off a week that junior Jackson Maples kicked field goals of 44 and 60 yards, and put four kickoffs in the end zone, the Patriots should have an advantage in the kicking game and special teams overall. The Patriots have a slight plus-two (11-9) advantage in the all-important turnover department through four games.

Last week they held a team under 100 yards rushing for the second time this season.