HANDING OFF — Edison’s Kenny Cranston hands off to Seth Cade against Beaver Local on Friday (photo by Wayne Maris).

RICHMOND — The Edison football team faces another stiff test this week.

The Wildcats are set to play undefeated Buckeye 8 rival Union Local at 7 p.m. at Cartwright Memorial Field on homecoming night.

The Wildcats (0-4) and the Jets both played teams from the Buckeye 8 last week. Beaver Local defeated Edison 33-6 up at Fighting Beavers Stadium. The Wildcats lost some key players in the first half against the Beavers, and that hampered them on both sides of the ball as Edison had to play some of its younger players in key positions on the field.

“We had some guys go down early on, and we had to rely on some young to step up,” Edison head coach Nate Moses said. “They did step up.”

Meanwhile, Union Local defeated Harrison Central 36-18 at Wagner Field.

“One thing we noticed about Union Local on film is their offensive line is big and physical,” Moses said. “They may not be as big as Beaver Local, but they still have a big line. Their skill players are all pretty good. They are adequate football players. They are going to spread us out and run the ball against us.”

Union Local also defeated Monroe Central 40-23, Buckeye Local 35-7 and Martins Ferry 40-15 so far.

Including the 4-0 Jets, the Wildcats’ last three opponents are a combined 10-1.

“We are in the toughest part of our schedule,” Moses said. “We have talked about this being another opportunity for us. This is an opportunity for us to play on Friday night and to get better. We have a chance to improve. We are excited about having the opportunity to play on Friday night. We have an opportunity to show what we can do.”

The Wildcats also lost to East Liverpool 21-0, Wellsville 26-14 and Toronto 34-13 this season. They are expected to be without some key players this week due to injury.

“Our trainer is earning her keep this week,” Moses said. “We are going to prepare for those guys playing, and we are going to prepare for those guys not playing. If some of them can’t play, we have a backup plan. We are going to put the best kids out on the field.”

The game is Edison’s second of four home games this season, which entails a lot of excitement.

“The homecoming girls, the band, the cheerleaders, the fans are all excited. We are going to do the best we can Friday night,” Moses said.

Likewise, Union Local also plays just four home games. The Jets opened with four of their first five games on the road.

“Homecoming presents a lot of distractions,” Moses said. “As coaches, we have to do a good job of getting the kids to focus on the job at hand. It is the same thing during basketball season with the winter formal. You have to deal with that distraction, and focus on what you have got to do. You still have to go out and play the game.”

Union Local enters play fifth in the Ohio Division V, Region 19 rankings.

“The kids are looking forward to the game,” Moses said.