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The place to be in Henry County tonight is Winfield, as the Wolves battle WACO on the gridiron in an area showdown to close the regular season.

A rivalry is always a game to get up for, but the stakes are even higher in this one with both teams looking to finish above .500 and improve seeding for the playoffs. WACO (3-3) is trying to put last week’s 55-20 loss to Montezuma behind them and Will Edeker will be heading the charge with 806 yards from scrimmage and being responsible for 13 touchdowns. Zach Schmitz is his main target on the outside with 12 receptions for 233 yards and four scores. The defense has given up 32 points a night and Simeon Reichenbach leads that side of the ball with 35 tackles.

After starting 3-1, the Wolves have had back-to-back setbacks to also sit at 3-3 including last week’s 32-12 defeat to English Valleys. There is no secret to the Wolves’ success, as they like to ground and pound with freshman phenom Cam Buffington leading the charge. The running back has tallied 697 rushing yards and 11 touchdowns for an offense that runs the ball 91% of the time. The defense gives up 28 points a game and Buffington leads that side as well with 41 tackles.

Warrior Head Coach Chad Edeker tells KCII Sports it’s always fun when these two teams meet. “I’ve been told it’s the Super Bowl of Northern Henry County and it is a big deal for both communities. They are a good team and Coach McCarty is doing a really good job with them. They have young athletic backs and a big line so that spells trouble. We will have to play well to come out with a win.”

WACO triumphed in the last two meetings including a 64-36 affair last fall.

The county rivalry begins at 7 p.m. tonight in Winfield. 

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