Quarterback

Both the Bulldogs and Warriors are going to focus their offensive attacks on rushing the ball first, but both have senior quarterbacks that are capable of producing when called upon. Passing just seven times against Seneca last week, Bulldogs' starter John Michael Gibson tossed a pair of touchdowns to begin his third season as Pendleton's starter. West-Oak's Evan Blackwell, now in his second year at the helm, had a long touchdown against Landrum last week amongst his five pass attempts.

Advantage: Pendleton

Running Back

West-Oak rushed up a storm last week at Landrum, as Brandon Hoover went for 121 yards, while Gerrad Holbrooks and Austin Doyle rushed for 91 and 69 yards, respectively. The Warriors seem to have taken well to their new offensive system under head coach Jay Brannon, and have the benefit of saving their running threats for offense only. Pendleton, however, has to play many of its top players both ways, which can lead to fatigue. Morris Williams was impressive last week against Seneca, rushing for 80 yards, and Tye Burke was a dangerous threat running wide from his wingback position.

Advantage: West-Oak

Wide Receiver

Again, both teams aren't going to air the ball out to these guys too often. However, Pendleton is feeling good about Hack Sullivan after the Seneca game. The senior caught a pair of touchdowns, which totaled 57 yards. And although he had only one catch last week, C.J. Gleaton has to be accounted for on every play. West-Oak doesn't spread the field quite as much as the Bulldogs, and will pass to its backs often. Look for tight end Jake James to get some looks this week.

Advantage: Pendleton

Offensive Line

This is another area where both teams are strong, but the Bulldogs' offensive line imposed its will last week on its final drive against Seneca with authority. Driving 62 yards to kick the game-winning field, the Pendleton offense threw the ball just once for 17 yards on a classic, hard-nosed drive. The Warriors' offensive line did what was expected last week at Landrum by dominating a Class-A school to the tune of 311 rushing yards. Can it do the same against a bigger school?

Advantage: Pendleton

Run Defense

The Bulldogs are big up front for the first time under head coach Paul Sutherland, and largely kept Seneca in check last week. Pendleton is led up front by Harold Robinson, who is one of the top linemen in the Skyline AA region, and he was a big reason the Bobcats only rushed for 119 yards last week. West-Oak held Landrum under 100 yards on the ground and looked stingy against the run in its preseason scrimmages. Look to get a good picture of just how effective the Warriors run defense is on Friday night.

Advantage: Pendleton

Pass Defense

All-region cornerback Ethan Partee leads a strong West-Oak secondary, which will be without the services of Dillon McKinney this week, as he is sick with food poisoning. Regardless, the Warriors' secondary is one of the best around, and the Bulldogs may have a tough time trying to air it out. Sullivan picked off a past last week for Pendleton, and Gleaton is a strong cover corner for the Bulldogs.

Advantage: West-Oak

Special Teams

Overcoming a missed extra point and a five-yard punt earlier in the game, Pendleton kicker Zach Sears came through with the game-winning field goal to beat Seneca last Friday night with just 27 seconds left. Sears is among the top kickers in the state, and will likely end up in the Shrine Bowl at the end of the season. The Warriors are usually potent on special teams. McKinney returned a punt for a score last week, but again, will be out this week.

Advantage: Pendleton