GASTON – Rivalry games are usually saved for week 11 of the prep football season.

The traditional Northampton County battle of East invading West will take place on the opening night of Tar-Roanoke Conference play here Friday night.

The Rams of Northampton-East enter Friday’s contest 1-4 while Northampton-West comes in 2-3, fresh off a victory over First Flight.

&uot;It should be a typical rivalry game,&uot; Hurricanes’ skipper Diego Hasty said. &uot;They played us close last year and it should be a tough game despite neither team having a good road record.

&uot;They have some quality players,&uot; Hasty said. &uot;It is a big game for a conference opener.&uot;

Both teams have claimed victory over First Flight, a new school in Dare County.

The Hurricanes also knocked off Halifax County rival Northwest Halifax while the Rams fell 28-20 to the same team.

West is led by returning All-Roanoke-Chowan player Andre Williams, who spearheads both the offensive and defensive units for the Hurricanes. He is complimented in the backfield by quarterback Titus Lee.

Offensive lineman Melvin Rogers, one of the area’s best players, will lead the Rams into action.

In other games this week:

* Hertford County will look for their first win of the year as they host Northeastern in the conference opener for both schools.

* Bertie will also open Northeastern Coastal Conference play when they travel to Edenton to square off with last year’s co-champion John A. Holmes.

* Northeast Academy will host Halifax Academy in a key game in the Northern Division of the Coastal Carolina Conference.

* Gates County will travel to Williamston for an early test inside the Four Rivers Conference.