Polk County High School head coach Bruce Ollis presented his team with a cautionary tale this week:

The last time the Wolverines were unbeaten this late in the season, Mitchell ended Polks run at perfection.

The two teams square off at 7:30 tonight as PCHS travels to Bakersville.

We lost to them on homecoming that year, said Ollis. So, were preparing just like we did last week. They play well on defense and they present some problems and they always play well at home.

Bringing that (loss) up, I think, keeps our players from underestimating Mitchell.

Mitchell (3-3 overall, 1-1 Western Highlands Conference) is coming off a 14-13 loss to Owen and was beaten earlier this year by Brevard, a team PCHS pounded, 56-0.

Owen had been scoring in the 30s and 40s, so theyve played well on defense they run to the ball, they get after it and theyre very physical, said Ollis.

Meanwhile, the Wolverines (6-0, 2-0), ranked No. 4 in Class 2A, have put up more than 40 points in each of their past two games and appear to be in stride offensive as the balky ankle quarterback Andre Overholt played with early in the season has completely healed. He ran for 197 yards and four touchdowns in last weeks 41-19 win over Mountain Heritage.

The PCHS defense has given up just 88 points (14.7 points per game) this season, second in the WHC behind Hendersonvilles 81 points allowed.

PCHS running back Tyler Ridings, who suffered a concussion two weeks ago, and injured OL/DL Jacob Painter are both expected to return to the lineup for tonights game.