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Mario Cusano has directed Greer's offense to a 2-0 start.
The rivalry between Greer and Union County is almost always intense.
The battle is between teams bearing the same moniker. Greer won last year's "Jacket Bowl" 28-22. Greer leads the series, 23-21-2.
No. 3-ranked Greer is undefeated at 2-0 and Union County is winless after three games.
Both teams feature explosive offenses and Union County is loaded with playmakers. Wide receiver Roscoe Johnson is committed to the University of North Carolina and fellow wideout Shi Smith has big play potential as well.
Union County quarterback De'Airrius Smith and running back Ty Thomas make up a talented back field.
Greer Head Coach Will Young knows his team will have its hands full once again.
"One thing that's for certain is, the competition level goes up a little this week," Young said. "(Union County's) talent level is second to none in 3A and they've got some really good athletes, particularly at the receiver spots."
Shi Smith had 89 receiving yards against Spartanburg last week while Thomas rushed for 44. De'Airrius Smith, who split time with fellow quarterback Brandon Thompson, passed for 90 yards.
Greer isn't too shabby, either.
The Yellow Jackets will lean on quarterback Mario Cusano to lead the offense with Dorian Lindsey and Adrian McGee. Cusano is 18-27 passing for 334 yards and five scores, four of them passes to Lindsey, who has 209 yards receiving. McGee has rushed for 263 yards and three scores.
This week, however, Young says the secondary, led by Lindsey and Troy Pride, will need to be at the top of its game as well to counter Union County's passing attack.
"The biggest thing is, hopefully (the secondary) isn't alone," Young said. "Hopefully the defensive front can get some pressure on the quarterback. That's going to be a big key, to try to make (De’Airrus Smith) throw in an uncomfortable environment."
With perhaps Greer’s toughest opponent of the regular season coming to call, Young said that his team will need to be at the top of its game Friday when the other Yellow Jackets visit Dooley Field.
"We've got our work cut out for us," Young said. "Hopefully we show up ready to play."
Want to go?
Who: Greer vs. Union County
When: Friday, 7:30 p.m.
Where: Dooley Field
Admission: $6