Wakefield (6-1) hopes to jump back into the Cap Eight 4A championship conversation Friday night at home when it plays undefeated Wake Forest-Rolesville.

Wakefield was overwhelmed last week in a 52-24 loss to Leesville Road. The Wolverines fell behind early, trailed 35-9 at the half and rarely slowed down the Leesville attack.

Wake Forest-Rolesville plays a lot like Leesville with a hard-to-move defense and an offense that monopolizes the ball. But Wakefield has one of the most productive offenses in the area.

Why Wakefield will win: Despite its troubles last week in the rain, the Wolverines still average 45.6 points per game. Last week’s rainy conditions and stop-and-go play because of delays was almost a worst-case scenario for the Wolverines, who rely on offensive rhythm to outscore teams.

Connor Mitch still is one of the best high school quarterbacks in the country and has thrown for 2,265 yards. Receiver Jordan Fielleteu still is an elusive, top-flight receiver who averages 121 yards in receptions per game.

Wakefield needs some help in stopping the Wake Forest offense.

Tim Stevens

Why Wake Forest-Rolesville will win: Last week, Leesville Road junior Braxton Berrios exposed holes in Wakefield’s defense, rushing for five touchdowns on 196 yards, and Wake Forest-Rolesville (7-0) will bring multiple threats on the ground this week with its high-powered rushing offense led by Petey Williams and brothers Bryce and Chris Love.

The undefeated Cougars haven’t shown many weaknesses this year. Their run game has been solid, averaging more than 333 yards per game, but the key to Wake Forest’s success has been its defense. The Cougars have stopped teams dead in their tracks, giving its offense more possession time. Wake Forest has outscored opponents 289 to 70, allowing 20 points just once this year.

The Cougars are coming off a short week, having completed its game against Broughton Monday afternoon, but Cougars coach Reggie Lucas has pledged to have his team focused and ready for this cross-town matchup of Cap Eight powers.

Caryn Grant