Cary and Panther Creek have made for entertaining games during the last three years, depending on your idea of entertainment. If a game must have lots of offensive firepower, this isn't your cup of tea. The winning team over the past three seasons has scored 10 points or less, and last year's 10-7 Panther Creek victory clinched the Catamounts' first conference title. At 5-1 in the conference (tied for first), PC still has a shot to repeat that title. Cary is coming off its bye week and hoping to exact revenge on the Catamounts.

All-time series: Tied 2-2

Middle Creek (5-3) at Athens Drive (4-4)

Middle Creek is 4-1 in the Tri-Nine and still has a shot at winning the conference title as well. They play battle-tested Athens Drive, which dropped to 3-2 in league play last week. Each team passes for more than 200 yards per game, utilizing the spread offense - so be prepared to make it a long night out at the game. The Mustangs have won the last five in this series.

All-time series: Middle Creek leads 5-1

Fuquay-Varina (7-1) at Holly Springs (2-5)

Fuquay is down to just two games left this season, and because both of the Bengals' opponents have losing records, at least a share of the conference title is likely. Well, except that one of those teams is rival Holly Springs, led by former Fuquay coach David Riggs. And anything can happen in a rivalry game. The Golden Hawks moved to 2-3 in Tri-Nine play with the defeat of Apex last week, while Fuquay is at 5-1.

All-time series: Fuquay leads 3-1

Lee County (2-5) at Green Hope (2-6)

Green Hope didn't score last week in its 36-0 loss to Middle Creek but should see that change with a much-maligned Lee defense. If the Falcons defense can get after quarterback Chase Arrington, an upset is possible.

All-time series: Lee County leads 7-3

Apex (1-5) at Northern Durham (4-3)

Apex is stepping out of conference for a late-season game at Durham County Stadium against the Northern Durham Knights. Northern started off its season 0-3, just as Apex did. But the Knights haven't lost since. Despite being October, this is Apex's first non-conference game.

Player of the Week

Markez Davis

Holly Springs RB, Senior

The Holly Springs running back couldn't be stopped on Friday, gashing Apex's defense for 254 yards and three touchdowns on 26 carries in a 41-24 win. Davis needed a big running night - the Golden Hawks didn't compete a single pass during the game and only attempted one.

Coach Speak

Sean Crocker

Middle Creek head coach

"Anytime we can get guys on the field that work hard, it's always good. It was a chance to give them good competition without them just waiting for the clock to run down."