Two first-time regional rivals square off in Lowndesboro on Friday night.

For the first time since 2003, Meadowview Christian School and Wilcox Academy will meet on the football field. Wilcox won the 2003 meeting 49-19.

Until this season, Wilcox was in Region I of Class 2A. Lowndes was in Region II.

This year, a reshuffling of the AISA deck — forced by the departure of Faith and Cottage Hill to the AHSAA ranks — put the schools in the same region.

“Every game’s important, but more emphasis is placed on region games,” said Meadowview coach Rick Jackson. “The intensity level is always increased.”

Meadowview entered the 2008 season fresh off an AISA state title game appearance, but was expected to be down this season after losing most of its starters.

The Trojans started on the right foot with a 34-6 win over Jackson last week.

Jackson knows his team must overcome a tough challenge on Friday if it wants to improve to 2-0.

Wilcox enters the game at 1-1, but looks to recover from a 44-20 loss to Sparta last Friday.

“They’ve been winning for too long and those kids are hungry to win,” said Jackson. “It’s going to be a tough test for us.”

The Sparta score may be a bit misleading. Sparta scored 21 of its points on turnovers and a punt return. Without the miscues, it would’ve been a much closer game.

“Every play counts,” said Wilcox coach Chris Burford. “You can’t take a break on anything. We’re focusing on finishing every play.”

Jackson has also focused on correcting mistakes. The Trojans lost three scoring opportunities against Jackson with two fumbles and more than 100 yards in penalties.

“We’ve got to get better this week in all phases of the game,” said Jackson. “We’ve got to eliminate those (mistakes) to have a chance.”