The Keith High Bears are off to one of their best starts in years.

The Bears put their unbeaten 2-0 record on the line Friday night at eighth-ranked Linden.

Keith High coach Anthony Lumpkin expects a tough contest against the Patriots (1-1) in their Region 3, Class 1A opener. Linden has won eight of the 10 contests in the series, including a 49-8 victory last year.

“Linden is really sound on both sides of the ball,” Lumpkin said. “They play fast and are very physical. We have to match that physical play on both sides of the ball. If we can do that, I like our chances.”

Opelika at Selma: Selma High (1-0) will be tested when the eighth-ranked Bulldogs (2-0) invade Memorial Stadium for a Region 3, Class 6A showdown.

The Bulldogs clobbered Selma 66-6 last year, en-route to a berth in the third round of the 6A state playoffs. Both teams have first-year head coaches. Willie Gandy of Selma and Opelika’s Erik Speakman.

“It’s a huge region game and it will set the tone for our team this season,” Saints coach Willie Gandy said.

Dadeville at Southside: Southside (0-1) entertains Dadeville in their Region 3, Class 3A opener at Panther Stadium. The Tigers won 31-13 last year and finished above Southside in the region standings.

Panthers coach Charles Moody saw bright spots in their 28-20 loss at Selma last week.

“Dadeville is athletic and disciplined,” Moody said. “They have some nice size. I know they are going to come in prepared with a lot of energy. We have to match their energy and be disciplined.”

Morgan Academy at Patrician: The Senators (0-2) seek their first victory of the season on the road against Patrician. Morgan Academy lost its season opener to Pike Liberal Arts 34-27 in double overtime. Edgewood hammered the Senators 28-0 last week.

“We respect them greatly,” Senators coach Josh Thacker said. “We look forward to a good game. Their head coach is a friend of mine, so there’s a little extra incentive to come away with a victory.”

Dallas County at Montevallo: The Hornets (0-1) play Montevallo in their Region 3, Class 4A opener. The Bulldogs won 41-0 last year.

Dallas County is coming off a 58-0 loss at McAdory in coach Heath LeVert’s first game with the Hornets.

“We have to be more physical this week,” LeVert said.

Meadowview Christian at Jackson:  The Trojans (0-1) remain on the road.

“They are a good team,” MCS coach Bob Taylor said. “They have very good running backs, offensive line works well and defense runs to the ball. It will be a tough game for us.”

Ellwood Christian Academy at Verbena: The Eagles (0-1) continue to search for their first victory in years on the road.

“They are well coached and fly to the ball,” ECA coach Migueal Catlin said.