The Polk County Wolverines look to begin their quest for a Western Highlands Conference football title at 7:30 p.m. this evening when they host Madison, their first conference rival of the season.

The Wolverines (2-3) have won their last two games.

After a 55-27 loss to Erwin last week, Madison is 3-1 overall, and playing its first conference game of the season as well. The Wolverines are fresh off a 47-17 thumping of East Henderson.

Wolverine coach Bruce Ollis labeled the Patriots “a very formidable opponent.” The team, which won 13 games last year and made it to the regional semi-finals, has many returning players.

Last year, Polk lost the match up, 28-21, at Madison. Tonight, with a home crowd behind them, and a healthy squad, Polk looks to give Madison a long bus ride back.

As witnesses to recent games have seen, “We’ve played well on defense. We’ve made some dynamic plays on offense,” said Ollis.

Polk’s tackling, a bit sketchy early, has become much more authoritative.

As always, ball control will be key for Polk. Not coincidentally, the Wolverines made no turnovers in their two wins.

Two Patriot players the Wolverines will try to stop in particular, are Madison’s talented tailback, Tyler Hoffman, and Cole Cuthberson, whom Ollis described as “probably the best punt returner and kick-off returner in western North Carolina.” He added that the Patriots have a tall and talented pass receiver (John Tikhonov).

“They’re not as formidable up front as last year (after losing some players). (But) They’ve got a lot of confidence in having a great team,” Ollis said. “It’s good to be at home… This is a game we need to win.’”