Varsity football heads to Manchester High School Friday night to try and pick up their seventh win of the season.  The ninth-ranked Manchester Lancers haven’t lost to Midlothian at home since 1989 and are looking to avenge last year’s lost to Midlothian.

The Trojans head into the game 6-0 after defeating 49-0 the Huguenot Falcons last week, 49-0 while Manchester finds itself on a five-game winning streak after after beating the L.C. Bird Skyhawks, 23-22.

Both teams hold playoff hopes as Midlothian currently ranks second in Region 5C while the Lancers rank third in Region 6A.

Midlothian will look to continue their defensive dominance as they have only allowed 13 points on the season, pitching four shutouts on the season.

“There is just one guy on this team, the entire unit defensively contributes and that’s the best part about our defense,” Coach Matt Hutchings said.

Offensively, senior running back Ashby Berry has been the backbone for the Trojan’s run-heavy approach, averaging 134 yards a game and scoring 12 touchdowns.  The Trojans hope to use the running game to open up the passing game with skill players Drew Kleski, 12, and Conor Harrington, 12.

After a season opening loss to to Highland Springs, Manchester turned the page and adjusted their pregame approach while rallying around each other, according to Head Coach Tom Hall.

An improved running game holds the key to their winning streak.  Defensively, the Lancers have only allowed 48 points since their opening loss to the Springers.

The Lancers will look to score points with junior running back Devin Bryant and senior receiver Ty’ee Stephens as the two have combined for 13 touchdowns and accounted for 91 of the team’s 174 points and having a combined 13 touchdowns.

The Lancers realize the days of an easy win against the Trojans are over.

“We have to take this team seriously.  This is no longer the old Midlo.  This is Midlothian,” Coach Tom Hall said.