It will be hard to find a game on this weekend's schedule that could have more impact on the playoff race than Howard at Wilde Lake, Friday night at 7 p.m.

Coming into Week 8, Wilde Lake was fourth in the 3A East playoff standings with a 4-3 record and a 4.71 point average. Howard was fifth with a 4-3 record and a 4.14 point average.

River Hill and Atholton hold the first two spots with 7-0 records, and J.M. Bennett (6-1) is third. The two teams directly behind Howard -- Stephen Decatur and Mt. Hebron -- have losing records at 3-4.

The top four teams make the playoffs.

"Both teams control their own destiny right now and whoever wins will have earned their way into the playoffs," Howard coach Bruce Strunk said. "Our kids worked hard and deserve to be in a big game. They're excited about it."

How many of those kids actually make it onto the field for Friday night's game is a concern, however. The Lions are dealing with the flu and injuries and could be missing several starters against Wilde Lake. Star running back A.J. Bonavitacola has been banged up since a 30-15 loss to River Hill in which he rushed for 150 yards and two touchdowns, and is questionable for Friday's game. Complicating matters, the No. 2 back, junior DaRon Floyd, is also questionable because of a neck injury. He rushed for two touchdowns in the first half of last week's homecoming win over Hammond before getting hurt. Floyd has also been the Lions' kicker on extra points.

He is sore and in a brace but is expected to make a full recovery -- just maybe not by Friday. Quarterback Calvin Ford carried much of the rushing load after Floyd left Saturday, but Trey Jackson might see an increased role in the running game this week.

Wilde Lake has defeated Howard in each of the past two playoff opening rounds, and Strunk and Wildecats coach Mike Harrison coached together as assistants under Doug DuVall at Wilde Lake, so they are familiar foes.

Wilde Lake is coming off a 13-12 loss to Glenelg in which the Wildecats missed two extra points.

Still, the Wildecats have a chance to play their way into the postseason.

"I don't believe we're going to need help if we win out," said Harrison, whose team plays Long Reach (5-2) in Week 9.

Long Reach is a 2A school, however, so this week presents an opportunity for Wilde Lake to beat the team it is fighting for a playoff spot.

"This is the critical one. This is the way it should be at the end of the season," Harrison said.

In another big game this weekend, Long Reach will play at Glenelg (6-1) on Saturday. The Gladiators are second in the 2A South, and Long Reach is one of three 5-2 teams competing for the fourth spot in that region.

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