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The Springwood Wildcats have faced stiff competition this season, but no team they’ve faced is as big of a challenge as they face on Friday. 

Springwood is ranked as the no. 11 team in the United States for 8-man football. The Wildcats travel on the road this week to face Lighthouse Home School, the no. 3 ranked team. 

“Tackling on defense is what we’re working on,” Head Coach Joey Burch said. “They’ve got a big back, and they’ve got a good quarterback. They’re a fantastic team.” 

Lighthouse is coming off a loss to the No. 1 team, Evangel Christian, in Alabaster. 

Springwood has only faced Lighthouse once, with the one matchup being a 36-30 loss last season. 

Both Springwood and Lighthouse will bring dynamic running backs to the table. CJ Johnson is coming off a game where he finished with 256 all-purpose yards to go along with two touchdowns for the Wildcats. Clay Boatman has averaged 98 rushing yards per game for Lighthouse. 

“It’s just going to be a physical game,” Burch said. “Our styles kind of match up together. They try to pound you with a big running back and a big offensive line. Then, [they] try to pop a big one over your head.” 

Springwood is coming off a 50-7 bounce-back win over Southern Christian, and the Wildcats are looking to get a winning streak going this Friday.