One week after downing the then-No. 5 team in the state on its home field, Franklin-Simpson High School football coach Tim Schlosser and his team may face an even bigger challenge tonight. After beating Bowling Green 14-13 last week to improve to 5-1, the Wildcats moved up to the No. 3 spot in the Associated Press Class 3-A football poll. But with No. 2 Owensboro visiting for a 7:30 p.m. game, that ranking might not last long for Franklin-Simpson. The Red Devils sport an unblemished 6-0 record, having survived an overtime scare last week against visiting Warren Central. Owensboro coach Gordon Powers doesnt think a similar effort will do against the Wildcats. We seem to have been trying to protect our unbeaten record instead of going after our opponents, Powers said. You know the old cliche, even though were 6-0 we want to go at it like were 0-6.Powers hasnt had any trouble motivating his players for tonights game. Neither has Schlosser. Both teams know whats at stake: for the winner, a big step toward winning the Class 3-A, Region I, District II title. Right now our community is really excited about the ballgame, Schlosser said. Its definitely a big game for us. The kids are excited to be playing the No. 2 team in the state. The Wildcats will get a huge boost with the return of senior starting quarterback Jami DeBerry. Although backup quarterback Charlie King filled in admirably in leading the Wildcats to a pair of wins while DeBerry was sidelined with an injury, DeBerrys return adds another dimension to Franklin-Simpsons already explosive offense. He adds another running back, for one thing, Schlosser said. More than that, he adds experience. Hes been our starter for three years and hes the leader of this team. DeBerry, who watched from the sideline and ran water out to his teammates during timeouts last week, is excited to be returning to a more active role. This is a big game for us, DeBerry said. Coach Schlosser told us three weeks ago before we played Allen County-Scottsville that these would be the hardest three weeks of our lives. We had to be mentally and physically prepared for it. With DeBerry back at the helm, the Wildcats passing offense might be even better. As it is, Franklin-Simpson has the 17th-best passing attack in the state with an average of 173.2 yards a game. Junior wide receiver Detric Key has been the Wildcats most dangerous threat, catching 34 passes for 456 yards and three touchdowns. Powers is concerned with that passing attack, especially since his defense hasnt seen anything quite like it this season. We sure havent, Powers said. Thats one thing We havent seen it. I feel pretty good; I think weve got some people who match up with it. Weve got quite a bit of speed at our defensive backs and linebackers. Defensively, the Red Devils have been stingy. Owensboro is 10th in the state in scoring defense, surrendering just 10.3 points a game. But the Wildcats are right behind at No. 11, giving up just 10.8 points an outing. Theyre a real good team, Franklin-Simpson junior OL/DL Jermaine Robey said. Up front, theyre a little bit quicker, but we pass a lot. If were quick on our feet, we should be able to get them. Owensboro counters with a solid running attack, led by senior fullback Getty Cavitt. And the Red Devils have a pair of speedy sophomore tailbacks in Justin Miller and Tyler Smith. Overall, both teams have an abundance of speedy skill players. Thats a concern for us, Schlosser said. One of our advantages this year is that weve been able to utilize our speed. Id say top to bottom, Owensboro has more speed. DeBerry is looking forward to the challenge. Its going to be a good game, DeBerry said. This is what you live for if youre a competitor. You live for the big games.