Off to their best start in four seasons under first-year coach Matt LeZotte, the Aquinas Fighting Irish face their biggest test of the 2009 season when they travel to Lincolnton to take on Lincoln County, one of the most storied programs in Georgia high school football, in the Region 7-A opener on Friday, October 2.

The Red Devils, ranked No. 3 in the state in Class A, have won a record 14 Class A state championships, and are led by the winningest coach in Georgia High School football history, the legendary Larry Campbell.

Lincoln County has dominated the all-time series vs. Aquinas. Dating back to 1922, when Aquinas was Boys Catholic High School, the Red Devils are 34-4-1 in 39 meetings and have outscored Aquinas 1284-274.

In last year's meeting at Aquinas, the Irish fell 42-16 on October 3, 2008. Aquinas took an early 3-0 with a Ethan La Pan field goal on its first possession, but with Lincoln County holding a slim 14-13 lead at halfitme, A.G. Middlebrooks broke the game open in the third quarter on TD runs of 76 and 80 yards, and with a 59-yard TD pass reception in the fourth. He ended the game with 324 yards (238 yards rushing on eight carries and 86 yards passing).

But this could be the Irish's year, as they come in confident after two straight wins, and also won't have to contend with Middlebrooks, who injured his knee last week and is out for the season.

Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m. at Buddy Bufford Field in Lincolnton.

For in-game updates, check out the Lincoln County Red Devils Web site at www.reddevils.us

Also, click here to listen to the Lincoln County radio broadcast, beginning at 7:00 p.m.

Click here for directions to Buddy Bufford Field