 Can you believe it? We're already halfway through the high school football season and still some big match-ups remaining. One of those this Friday night in Verndale as the undefeated Pirates host undefeated Rasse. For more on Verndale's 4-0 season so far, Clayton Castle has the story. Winning. That's just one word to describe the culture of Verndale Pirate football in the 2017 edition is no different. We've got 15 seniors and 12 juniors on the team so that really makes a difference. It's that experience really, really helps especially early in the year. The Pirates have put 201 points up on the scoreboard this season thanks to a well-rounded offense. We have a good balance between throwing and running the ball. We can do whatever we want really, throw all over teams and run the ball pretty easily. We have a really big line this year and they're really good. They know what they're doing, it's the best part. On the other side of the ball, Coach Malin stresses the importance of rugby style tackling, which has been key to the success of the defense. One thing Verndale has always been known for is physicality and not shying away from a hit, gang tackling and our defense has always been great and continues to be great this year. Now the Pirates will have their hands full of this coming Friday night when they take on the Roth State Tigers who boasts one of the best running backs in the state in Wyatt Curtis who has already rushed for 908 yards in 2017. They wanted him to get the ball 25, 30 times a game and they expect him to break two or three big ones a game and our challenge is of course to stop that. Winning, that's the one thing on the senior classes mind this season each Friday night when they put on the jersey with Verndale across the chest. I mean I don't get to put the jersey on next year but I mean I like to go out with my guys and we just play hard because we know this is our last go around. Winning in Verndale Clayton Castle Lakeland News. Thanks Clayton here's a look at that game Friday night a big one 7 p.m. kickoff at Verndale High School. If you've enjoyed this segment of Lakeland News please consider making a tax deductible contribution to Lakeland Public Television.