Davie’s football team is 2-0 for the first time in eight years, but it will have a monumental task here Friday at 7:30 p.m. on Hall of Fame Night. The 4-A Dudley Panthers are one of the favorites to win a state championship.

While the War Eagles are decided underdogs, they are hot and they have a grand opportunity. The SimmonsRatings have underestimated Davie so far. Page was a 12-point favorite and Davie won 39-29. Davie was a nine-point favorite over West Rowan, and Davie steamrolled 41-0.

“Hey, it’s our week 15,” coach DeVore Holman said, citing the strong finish to last year. “Dudley is big, fast and physical.”

“(This) week’s going to prove a big point for us,” senior center Bailey Sloan said. “We’ve got Dudley at the house. (This) week is going to prove a big point.”

The Panthers, who destroyed Carver (48-0) and Ragsdale (58-7) in their first two games, feature quarterback Hendon Hooker, who rushed for 196 yards on just nine carries in last year’s 56-14 stomping of Davie. He completed seven of 15 passes for 96 yards.

Hooker is a 6-5 senior headed to Virginia Tech. Junior defensive back D.J. Crossen recently committed to North Carolina. Dudley has several other fearsome weapons.

Dudley was No. 3 in the NCPreps Baker’s Dozen poll going into week two. Mallard Creek and Scotland County were Nos. 1-2. Davie was honorable mention.

Dudley leads the series 5-1.