It may not be the oldest rivalry in north Georgia, but the Gordon Lee-Ridgeland rivalry has quickly become one of its most intense.

This will the seventh "Backyard Brawl" between the Trojans and the Panthers with the series tied up at three wins apiece.

Highlighted by tough, stingy defense, the game has been decided by just seven points in each of the last three seasons and four of the last five.

Ridgeland head coach Mark Mariakis said he expects a similar type of game on Friday.

"It's going to be a close game and if it holds true like it has the past few years, it will come down to the last possession of the game," he said. "We don't expect anything different. Both teams are well-coached and will give it their all. It will be a great show for the fans."

It will be a match-up of contrasting styles.

The Panthers will try to run with 2,000-yard back Terryl Freeman while quarterback Carlen Bowman will be looking downfield to top receiving prospect Mike Bowman.

"They are probably the most athletic team I've ever seen in north Georgia," Gordon Lee head coach Kevin McElhaney said. "They are big up front and their skill kids are incredibly fast. Their defense can get to the football and there is no question that they are well-coached."

McElhaney said his team's best defense Friday would be a good offense.

"We're a ball-control team; that's the way we play," he added. "We think we can move the ball. I thought we did well at the scrimmage running our offense and I think our kids will be ready. We're going to go in there and hopefully have some success."

Gordon Lee will employ a stable of power and speed backs, including Jacob Groce, Austin Goodlet, Tres Scoggins and Caleb Guthrie.

"They are big up front and every running back they have runs the ball well," Mariakis said. "They have good speed too so we will have to play really well in order to win. Our young defense will have to grow up quickly to keep us in the ball game because they will be tested early."

Last year, Ridgeland was held to their lowest offensive output of the season with just seven points and 233 total yards, but got a fourth-quarter touchdown from Freeman and used two big defensive stands in the final eight minutes to pull out a 7-0 win.

Freeman had 17 carries for 148 yards while Groce led Gordon Lee with 103 tough yards on 19 carries.

Linebacker DeVaughn Buchanan helped preserve the Ridgeland victory with 17 tackles, including eight in the fourth quarter alone.

The Panthers have won the last two meetings and three of the last four.