PRESTONSBURG - Area football fans can ask for no better a matchup than tonight's Prestonsburg-Belfry clash. It's the Blackcats and the Pirates inside Vipperman Stadium facing off in their annual regular-season clash. And again, a district championship hangs in the balance.

Losing to Pikeville in the Pike County Bowl during the first week of the season may have been the best thing to happen to this year's Blackcat football team. Since that loss, Prestonsburg has played - and won - with authority. Since the season-opening setback, the hits seem to be harder and the big plays seem to be bigger and all Prestonsburg units - offensive, defensive and special teams - are clicking.

Prestonsburg has won its last five games. The Blackcats will take a 5-1 mark into tonight's district clash against Belfry.

Belfry has seemingly settled on Adam Warren as its starting quarterback. Prestonsburg continues to operate an efficient offense with senior Trevor Compton and junior David Shaffer each taking snaps. Prestonsburg High head coach John DeRossett has said many times that he feels comfortable with either player calling the signals. In addition to their offensive obligations, both players are also defensive starters.

Through six games, Prestonsburg has outscored its opponents 186-91. The Blackcat offense has churned out 1,264 rushing yards and 822 passing yards.

Senior Joe Blackburn continues a gallant gallop at 1,000 yards rushing. Blackburn has already rushed 100 times for 665 yards and seven touchdowns as he is on pace to rush for over 1,000 yards.

Blackburn leads Prestonsburg in scoring. He has scored 44 points.

Compton has rushed for 241 yards and Brenton Hamilton has rushed for 233.

Compton has passed for 528 yards and eight touchdowns. Shaffer has passed for 209 yards and one touchdown.

Tight end John Mark Stephens, a player who is being courted by several college football programs, leads Prestonsburg in receiving with 11 catches for 377 yards and five touchdowns. Kyle Ousley has hauled in 13 catches for 262 yards and three touchdowns.

While its riding momentum into storied Death Valley, Prestonsburg will have to be at its best tonight in a matchup that most always is decided in the final quarter.

Being out of school for fall break shouldn't hinder the Blackcat football team. Prestonsburg has practiced each day this week in preparation for the Belfry Pirates. The last five weeks for Prestonsburg have included two district wins and victories of Bell County, Ashland and Lawrence County.

"I'm proud of the way our kids have played," said DeRossett. "We've got a great bunch of young men and a good bunch of football players. The Belfry game is no doubt a huge game for both teams."

Kickoff for the Prestonsburg-Belfry game is 7:30 p.m.