Earlier this week, the senior said he felt about 80 percent healthy, but he strongly believes he'll be at full strength come game time. Layton boasts one of the stingiest defenses in 5A and the Knights will need all available personal.

Maka'afi has the ability to give the opposition nightmares. Not only does he possess quickness to attack from sideline to sideline, but his strength allows him to run between the tackles. His presence will allow quarterback Junior Cole freedom to stretch the field to Blake Smithing and Chris Washington.

Even if Maka'afi isn't at full strength nothing will stop him from playing. It's a matchup he's been looking forward to since last season's loss to the Lancers. There is a very large chip not just on Maka'afi's shoulders, but the entire team.

Northridge dominated Layton for 10 years, until the Lancers turned the tide with last season's 28-10 win under coach Jim Batchelor.

"[Tonight's] atmosphere is going to be crazy. I played football with a lot of their guys up until high school. So it's a friendly rivalry. But we'll be enemies for four quarters," Maka'afi said.

The stakes couldn't be higher. Northridge and Layton are tied atop the region standings. And considering the talent on both rosters, there might not be another opportunity to make up ground for the defeated team.

Viewmont

It took awhile, but when it was all said and done, the Vikings improved to 2-0 in Region 1 (3-2 overall). Against Clearfield, Viewmont needed 26 unanswered points in the fourth quarter to secure its 33-18 win. In what had all the makings for an upset, Viewmont pushed through that wall behind quarterback Ryan Workman's 249 passing yards.

It was not a surprise to those who are familiar with the Vikings. They've demonstrated the ability to move the football in recent weeks - averaging nearly 22 points per game. What's a concern is Viewmont's defense. The bend but don't break scheme has worked well, and not so well thus far. Against rival Bountiful, Viewmont couldn't hold a 14-point advantage, allowing 17 unanswered points. However, they showed potential during last weeks 13-7 slugfest with Syracuse. The Vikings forced six Titan turnovers in the win.

In Viewmont's first three quarters against Clearfield, they did not look like the same defense.

Bountiful

The Braves are rolling. Four straight wins and counting. But what's interesting about one of the top ranked team in 4A is they're not winning in dominant fashion. Quite the contrary.

If you judge by the numbers, Bountiful won't blow your mind. Their 4.6 win margin is middle of the pack in 4A. The offense (12 points per game) looks more suited for junior varsity. Including an unimpressive 10 point showing against winless Box Elder who gives up nearly 29 points a game.

Fortunately, the Braves defensive scheme is solid.

Unanswered points Viewmont used to topple the Clearfield Falcons in last weeks 33-18 win. The incredible streak occurred in the fourth quarter in a more than strong finish for the Vikings.

The Layton High receiver/defensive back produced big time in its 13-7 win over region foe Davis. He literally made homecoming memorable for the Lancers student body. Thanks to his blocked punt that helped set up a Lancers score, a 74-yard touchdown reception, and most notably, the game securing interception off of Gavin Fowler, he truly earned homecoming king honors of the gridiron.

This is what football's all about. The Knights and Lancers epitomize how athletic programs should be run. First class coaching staffs, talented players, and a heavily involved community to provide plenty of raucous when the lights come on. It'll be fun.

Big Number: 26

Top Performer: Kimble Jensen

Big Game: Northridge at Layton, 7 p.m.