Wheeler hosts Walton at Corky Kell Stadium at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Sept. 18, with the Wildcats trying to snap a 15-game losing streak against the Raiders dating to 2006.

Both East Cobb programs enter the non-region rivalry matchup with losing records. Wheeler (0-3) has dropped games to Campbell, Westlake and Harrison under first-year head coach Travis Roland. Walton (1-3) opened Region 5 play with a 35-7 loss to North Paulding and has one win on the season, against North Clayton.

The combined record is 1-6.

Roland told the Marietta Daily Journal his young squad is progressing despite the results. In the 44-14 loss to Harrison, Wheeler led by a touchdown in the second quarter before giving up 37 consecutive points on big plays and short fields.

"For us, it's about finishing," Roland said. "We can play with just about anybody. We've gotten better week-by-week."

Roland, hired in January from Camden County after winning a state championship in Florida, has leaned on a ground game that averages close to 200 yards per outing. Running back Javon Mangum leads the way with 321 yards and two touchdowns on 55 carries. Semaj Wiles adds 170 yards and a score on 33 touches.

Walton head coach Daniel Brunner said injuries have forced younger players into bigger roles sooner than planned.

"The injury bug bit us, and we're trying to get young guys ready to play," Brunner told the MDJ. "We just have to work day after day to get better."

The Raiders were outplayed by North Paulding's Wolfpack and did not score until the fourth quarter in that Sept. 11 loss. Losses to Roswell and North Gwinnett in non-region play preceded it.

Quarterback Christian Peacock has been a bright spot for Walton, throwing for 985 yards with nine touchdowns and one interception through four games. Wide receiver Aiden Opore is his top target with 411 receiving yards and three scores.

Roland said he wants Wheeler to replicate what North Paulding did against Walton's athletes, calling for a physical, grind-it-out approach.

Walton's next game after the Wheeler matchup is Oct. 2 at home against Marietta at Raider Valley, following a fall-break bye week.