This is easily the week's biggest game, as two of the four teams currently tied at the top of the Tri-Nine Conference standings face off in Bengals Stadium. Both sides are playing their best football as of late, which means getting back to the style of play each is known for. Fuquay (6-1, 4-1) has won its last three games and is dominating both lines of scrimmage, or just playing "Fuquay football." Athens (4-3, 3-1) has won three of its last four and has scored 31 or more points in all three victories. The Drive has taken to the air, throwing for at least 288 yards in four of their last five games. Fuquay-Varina hasn't lost in its last 12 home games.

Last six meetings: Fuquay leads 5-1

Panther Creek at Lee County

Panther Creek (5-2, 4-1) is right in the thick of things for a second consecutive conference championship. The Catamounts' defense took its play up a few notches to defeat Middle Creek last week, but it's the Panther Creek offense that will enjoy playing in this one. Lee County (2-4, 1-3) has given up 42 or more points in each of their four losses, three of those coming to Tri-Nine opponents.

All-time series: Tied 2-2

Green Hope at Middle Creek

Green Hope (2-5, 0-4) has lost its two biggest offensive playmakers to injury this year and faces a Middle Creek (4-3, 3-1) team that wants to bounce back from last week. The Mustangs are in the same boat as the other three one-loss teams all feel as though they can't slip up again this season. Green Hope has used six different players at quarterback this season, losing two of them - original starter Will Nassif and leading receiver Eddie Auslander - to season-ending injuries. After a tough opening, partly due to the schedule, the Mustangs' final four opponents include just one with a winning record.

All-time series: Middle Creek leads 6-2

Holly Springs at Apex

Coming off a bye week, Holly Springs (1-5, 1-3) is in desperate need of a win. The tough-luck Golden Hawks have lost two games by only a field goal's margin and had another one forfeited. Apex (1-4, 1-4) has failed to reach double-digit points in three of its games this season, so the offense is still a concern. Holly Springs' offense, meanwhile, is not. The Golden Hawks have scored at least 27 points in all but two of its contests, and running back Markez Davis is among the area's leaders.

All-time series: Apex leads 3-1

Player of the Week

A.J. Stewart

Athens Drive WR, Senior

Stewart had a big night against Apex on Friday to lead the Jaguars to a 35-0 win. Stewart was one of two receivers to go for more than 100 yards for the Drive. Stewart caught eight passes for 144 yards and two touchdowns, edging classmate Mike Estes, who had six catches for 112 yards and two scores.

Coachspeak

Ben Kolstad

Cary head coach

On getting back in the win column: "I'm just glad we could put those (back-to-back losses) behind us. ... Those were tough games."