Riding a wave of confidence following last week’s decisive road win over Avery County, Polk County football returns home to the Little Big House tonight, as the school celebrates homecoming with a full slate of events.

Deadlocked in a four-way tie for first place in the Western Highlands Conference, the Wolverines will play host this evening to the Gryphons of Thomas Jefferson Classical Academy.

Asked if the hubbub of homecoming activities has diverted attention from the business at hand, Polk County head coach Bruce Ollis just smiled and shook his head.

“Our focus has been good,” noted Ollis. “Coaches are always concerned about the distractions associated with homecoming, but our players seem to take it in stride as we prepare for another very important conference game.”

The visitors from Mooresboro will bring a pass-oriented attack similar to the offense Polk faced last week at Avery County.

“Our secondary will be challenged again as we were against Avery,” said Ollis. “Our defensive coaches have been working on tighter coverage in the secondary, along with a better pass rush.”

To emerge with the victory, the Wolverines will need to contain several key players, including junior QB Mac Martin, a very talented passer and good decision maker, 6’6” sophomore wideout Travis Waldroup-Rodriguez, and junior running back Will McCraw.

Though winless so far this season, the Gryphon team the Wolverines will face tonight is, according to Ollis, far from the pushover of seasons past.

“Their program is much improved from a year ago,” said Ollis. “They have been scoring on everyone, and are much more physical than in previous years.”

The action kicks off tonight at 7:30 p.m. under the lights at Polk County High School.