West Limestone running back Nick Martindale finds open space against Tanner in a game that took place Aug. 24. The Wildcats face Elkmont Friday in a region clash.

West Limestone is getting used to playing other teams in Limestone County, having faced a county rival in each of its first three games.

But Friday’s game at Elkmont means much more than the other two, as it is the Class 4A, Region 8 opener for the Wildcats.

West defeated Tanner 39-20 in its opening game and lost to East Limestone 34-3. The Wildcats had an open week last Friday.

“We’re excited to get back out there for an opportunity to get better,” West Limestone coach Shelby Davis said. “It’s another in-county game but it means a little bit more because it’s a region game. Anytime you’re playing in an in-county game it’s exciting. The kids are excited and focused.”

Elkmont (0-3 overall, 0-1 region) has not had a good start to its season, having been shut out in all three of its games, including a 65-0 loss to Class 4A powerhouse Deshler last week in the Red Devils’ opening region game.

Elkmont coach Duane Wales could not be reached for comment.

Davis said the Red Devils can’t be overlooked, especially by a Wildcats team short on experience.

“They do some things on the perimeter that could give us some trouble,” Davis said. “Things we haven’t done very well in the first couple of games. It will test our perimeter guys.”

Davis said the off week came at a good time for his team, as it allowed them to have a week where they went back to focusing on fundamentals and basics.

“It was more of a fall camp type week of practice,” Davis said. “We just went back and looked at some things we were not doing well and things we were doing well. We wanted to focus in on those points and use the week to get better.”

Davis said the off week seemed to pay off for his team, giving them a fresh start to the season.

“We’ve had the best week of practice I think we’ve had yet,” he said. “Our message to the players is not to worry about everybody else, just worry about what we do. Just try to execute and do your job every play. If you focus on you and doing what you’re supposed to do, the results will come.”