CAMDEN — The Bearden Bears will face the Parkers Chapel Trojans after enjoying a bye week last week.
It wasn't by design, as the Bears were originally scheduled to play Hermitage but the school did not field a varsity team this year due to numbers. That just gave the Bears more time to reflect on last season' meeting with the Trojans.
The Bears fell at home in overtime to the Trojans, 21-14 in 2015. It was the first win for Parkers Chapel over the Bears in eight attempts.
Both teams have improved since last year. The Bears are riding a two game winning streak after surviving Gurdon and then beating 8-2A preseason favorite Rison. In addition to rest, this is also the homecoming game for the Bears.
PC is 4-1 on the season - surpassing last year's win total and on pace to have its best season since 2010 when it won six games.
The Trojan's offense averages 35 points a game and its lone loss came on the road against State Title contenders Hampton. All-State senior running back Dezmon Jackson (5-11, 202, 4.5 speed) returns as well.
Bearden's defense has been solid all year. The Bears defense allows around 23 points per game but that number has dropped to 17 points per game in its last two outings.
The game will kickoff at 7 p.m. tonight with homecoming festivities beginning at 6 p.m.