While the rest of the Tri-Nine Conference begins intra-conference play, the Falcons have one more week of non-conference action. Sanderson has already lost twice to Tri-Nine teams this year. Both teams are coming off lopsided losses, but the Falcons will have every opportunity to double their win total against a Sanderson side that had just two first downs last week against Panther Creek.

All-time series: First meeting

Holly Springs (1-1) at Cary (2-0)

Cary has shut out its opponents in seven of the eight quarters it has played, but they'll have their hands full trying to keep the Golden Hawks offense at bay. In their first year of running the veer offense, Holly Springs is averaging 37 points per game thanks to running back Markez Davis (139 yards rushing per game) and quarterback Mike Roach (243 yards total offense per game). Cary coach Ben Kolstad's defense is off to another great season, allowing just 3.5 points per contest.

All-time series: Tied 1-1

Athens Drive (1-1) at Panther Creek (1-1)

This was the most infamous of the Panther Creek comebacks last year, as the Catamounts scored 17 points in the final nine minutes to defeat Athens Drive 33-30. Panther Creek's offensive production went from zero points in the first week to 50 in the second. The two teams share a common non-conference opponent in Sanderson - Panther Creek won by 50, while Athens won by 20. Athens junior Hunter Williams (76.5 yards per game) is among the area receiving leaders.

All-time series: Athens leads 3-1

Apex (0-0) at Lee County (1-1)

Apex had its Monday game with Riverside canceled. So the Cougars will be 0-0 overall when they kick off conference play at Lee County. The Yellow Jackets are coming off a 44-7 loss to Richmond County.

Last 10 meetings: Apex leads 7-3

Fuquay-Varina (1-0) at Middle Creek (1-0)

Although Middle Creek is known for its passing offense, this could be a test of each team's rushing tandems. Mustangs junior running backs Naylaan Lopez and Devone Johnson have combined to rush for 200 yards per game, while Fuquay's Ricky Fergerson and Carlton Bridges are rushing for 198.5 yards per game.

All-time series: Fuquay leads 5-3

Player of the Week

Mike Roach

QB, 6 feet, 180 pounds, Senior

Roach, in his third year as the varsity quarterback, had one of the best games of his Holly Springs career last week, completing five of his eight throws for 94 yards and one touchdown, and running for four touchdowns on 173 yards on just 16 carries.

Coachspeak

Wayne Bragg

Panther Creek head coach

On how his team turned around from a season-opening 49-0 loss to win 50-0 in week two: "We talked this week about keeping your mouth shut and just (executing). It brought a lot of our kids back down to reality. "