The Brandywine football team will face its toughest challenge in years when perennial powerhouse Mendon comes to town Friday night.

The credentials of the Hornets are impressive — 10 state championships and 28 state playoff appearances.

But none of that will matter on Friday when the two teams collide in a BCS Athletic Conference Red Division showdown.

The Bobcats (3-0) are playing at home for the first time in 2014.

Brandywine has already picked up road victories against Bridgman, LaLumiere and Centreville.

The Bobcats are coming off another big win against the Bulldogs.

Brandywine is averaging 56.0 points per game this season and 444 yards in total offense.

The Bobcats can hurt their opponents on the ground and through the air.

Senior quarterback Andrew Duckett has thrown for 321 yards and six touchdowns, while he has ran for 341 yards and four TDs.

Marty Ward Jr. anchors the rushing attack as he has rushed for 521 yards and 10 touchdowns.

Vinny Peel leads Brandywine in receiving with 161 yards and three scores.

On the defensive side of the ball, Charlie Rodriguez is averaging 14 tackles per game.

Friday night’s contest will truly be a battle of wills.

Mendon is allowing just 12.7 points per game and fashioning a 2-1 record.

The Hornets are coming off an 18-13 loss to Watervliet last Friday night in which is played without eight starters due to disciplinary action.

All eight players are set to play against the Bobcats.

The loss snapped a 35-game winning streak for Mendon, which has also been battling injuries.

Two players may have already been lost for the season.

Kickoff is set for 7 p.m.

 

Niles at Portage Northern

The Vikings will be in search of more history at Portage Northern Friday night.

Niles (3-0) has not started a season with four consecutive victories since they went undefeated in 1979.

The Vikings are coming off a 50-7 win over Benton Harbor.

In that victory, sophomore quarterback Alex Harpenau became only the second Niles signal caller to pass for more than 400 yards in a single game.

He was 21-of-40 for 402 yards and four touchdowns. His favorite target was Ra’Quon Glenn, who caught 10 passes for 151 yards and two scores.

Warren Smith finished with five catches for 124 yards.

Kickoff is slated for 7 p.m.

 

Tough schedule

Niles is about to hit the toughest part of its schedule beginning with the Huskies Friday night.

The Vikings must also face No. 6-ranked St. Joseph and No. 8-ranked Lakeshore later this season.