Although Friday night’s contest between Franklin and Middlesex is a non-district matchup, the game still means a lot to a still undefeated Franklin squad.

After surviving a scare from Mathews last week, the Broncos (3-0) need a victory to keep pace in the Group A Region A Division 1 standings.

Middlesex comes into the game at 1-1 after a bye week. Middlesex beat Mathews 46-28 and lost to Northumberland 14-8.

Although the Broncos have not played Middlesex in a few years, Franklin head coach Darren Parker said the coaches have viewed video of Middlesex and he believes they are a team with a strong rushing attack.

“They have some size and discipline. They are a team that can hurt you outside and inside,” Parker said. “We just have to be disciplined on defense and execute on offense and special teams. They can score points and they have some big playmakers, but we do too.

“We are looking forward to a great game on Friday. We need to concentrate on ourselves. We have a certain level we have to play at,” he added.

In other action,

Isle of Wight Academy (4-0) is hosting Brunswick Academy (1-3).

BA’s only win has come against Tidewater Academy. Last week, Brunswick lost 21-0 to Portsmouth Christian.

Southampton Academy (3-1) plays at Hampton Roads Academy. The Navigators lost two in a row before beating Quantico 43-28 last week.

HRA can put points on the board, reeling off 36 in a loss to Norfolk Christian.

Tidewater Academy (0-4) plays at Fuqua School. Fuqua is undefeated at 4-0 after a come-from-behind win over Southampton Academy last Friday.

Southampton has a bye this week.