Ardrey Kell travels to Palisades on Friday, Oct. 2, for a 7 p.m. kickoff in the Southwestern 7A/8A conference opener for both teams.

The Knights enter at 3-2 after a nonconference slate that produced wins over Cuthbertson (50-7), Porter Ridge (20-7) and South Mecklenburg (37-14) and losses to Marvin Ridge (42-21) and Chambers (57-20). Ardrey Kell is 2-0 on the road, where it will play again Friday. The Knights have scored 148 points and allowed 127 through five games.

First-year head coach Carter Green is steering the program after replacing Greg Jachym, who stepped down following seven seasons without a losing record. Green, 31, spent six years as the Knights' defensive coordinator before being named head coach in February. Green told the Charlotte Observer in February, "My goal is to build a consistent championship-caliber team, and we'll do that with hard work."

Palisades enters at 4-1 and ranked No. 24 in North Carolina by MaxPreps. The Pumas have outscored opponents 153-74. Their lone loss came Sept. 10 against Chambers, 24-20. They followed with a 41-12 win at Independence on Sept. 18.

The Pumas are also adjusting to a coaching change. Head coach Jonathan Simmons resigned in September after being suspended before the season opener. Defensive coordinator Darrel Wilson has served as interim head coach since the first game. WBTV first reported Simmons' resignation. Under Wilson, Palisades has leaned on 11 returning starters, including quarterback Cole Hough, defensive back Nick Rankin and offensive lineman Ephraim Holmes, all named all-conference last season, according to the Charlotte Observer.

Both teams are 0-0 in conference play entering the Oct. 2 opener.

WBTV's Football Friday Night crew will be at the game. Anchors Nate Wimberly and Cam Gaskins will air highlights starting at 11:20 p.m. on WBTV.

Ardrey Kell's conference schedule continues Friday, Oct. 9, at Rocky River, followed by a home matchup against Ballantyne Ridge on Friday, Oct. 16.