By DOUG DONNELLY

After losing two out of three games to Summerfield in 2020 and 2021, the Whiteford Bobcats have been on a roll against their rivals to the north.

Whiteford shutout Summerfield twice last season and will bring a consecutive scoreless streak of eight quarters into Friday’s game between the TCC rivals. Whiteford is 4-0 and ranked No. 1 in Division 8 while Summerfield is 2-2.

Both teams come into the game a little banged up and missing some starters due to injury.

Senior Shea Ruddy is continuing his assault on the Whiteford career passing record book. He now holds the Bobcat record for career passing yards and career attempts. He is second in both touchdown passes and completions and is within striking distance of both coming into Friday’s contest.

Jake Iott continues to impress from both his linebacking spot and as a running back. He leads the team in rushing and tackles. He has an impressive 57 tackles through four weeks.

The Bobcats are getting great production from its running backs – Iott, Hunter DeBarr, Stepan Masserant, Drew Knaggs and Luis Trejo. Brandon Knaggs figured into that mix as well.

“Our four-back offense was really effective last week,” Whiteford coach Todd Thieken said. “I love that we can run the ball from all four positions with great execution.”

Summerfield features one of the area’s best athletes in Brandon Thompson. He is among the county leaders in rushing and receiving yards. He leads the Bulldogs in several offensive categories.

Whiteford has taken a stranglehold on the all-time series between the two teams. After winning eight of the last 10 matchups in the series, Bobcats hold a 39-27 advantage in head-to-head matchups with Summerfield.

Kickoff Friday is 7 p.m.

Here are some pre-game notes with rosters and stats for both teams: