The coaches know one another and the players do similar stuff on the field each week. On Friday, one of North Mississippi's most interesting intra-division matchup arguments will be settled, all with the Division 2-3A title on the line.

The last time Nettleton won the regular season title was 2006, when it also represented the North in the state championship. Despite its rise from despair the last couple of seasons, Aberdeen has been kept out of the division driver's seat by Louisville.

In those two seasons under head coach Chris Duncan and staff, the Bulldogs, now ranked No. 2 in the Daily Journal's 3A poll, have come up only two and one game short of making it to Jackson for the title games.

Friday in Aberdeen, both teams come into the regular season finale at 8-2, Aberdeen a perfect 4-0 inside the division and No. 4 Nettleton a barely-blemished 3-1, the only slip-up a 7-0 loss at Water three straight wins ago. Aberdeen's last loss came in Week 3. Since then, the Bulldogs have rattled of seven in a row.

“They're a very talented ballclub, one of the better teams we've played all year,” Aberdeen coach Chris Duncan said. “They're pretty good everywhere, so we've got our work cut out for us.”

The pretty good everywhere Tigers are led by second-year starter and senior quarterback Anthony Franklin, who at 6-foot-4, has a big arm and plenty of sophomore skill guys to work with.

Offensively, Aberdeen counters with senior quarterback Aaron Andrews, who like Franklin, is dangerous when he leaves the pocket and also has plenty of skill players to throw and handoff to, a majority of them seniors, including Mississippi State commit Jamerson Love at running back and highly-sought receiver Erik Buchanan at receiver.

Both teams are solid defensively as well, each fresh off of shutouts of Mooreville. Aberdeen has allowed only 123 points on the season, only 72 in the eight wins. The Bulldogs have scored 377 points. The Tigers have outscored opponents 240-129.

“We're going to have to play as good as we can play just to stay on the field with them,” Duncan said. “I don't see any weak spots that they have. We've got our work cut out for us.”

The coaches aren't strangers to one another. Aberdeen offensive coordinator Kris Pickle and Nettleton head coach Jack Clark may be the closest on the two opposing sidelines. Pickle guided Nettleton's touted crop of receivers in Clark's offense during Nettleton's 2006 run.

“I'm good buddies with a bunch of them,” Clark said. “The kids all know each other. I'm going to say it'll be a good football game. It always is, even the years when one's down and one's up.”

This season, both are up. There may be more at stake for the Tigers on Friday. Aberdeen, even with a loss, would finish second in the division and get a first round home playoff game. If Nettleton loses and Water Valley beats Mooreville, Nettleton would slip to third place and be on the road when the postseason opens next week.

“We haven't been in this position the last game of the year,” Duncan said. “We're finally in a position where we do have a chance to win it, so I think the kids understand what's at stake. I hope they do, and the quality of the team we're playing.”

Clark made two references to Aberdeen following reporters' questions this season. After a win against South Pontotoc to get back to 1-1 in the division, he mentioned the importance of not losing another game before having to face “a good offensive team in North Monroe.”

Friday after a 27-0 win at Mooreville, Clark said Mooreville's defensive pressure helped his team prepare for Friday's game.

"This sort of got us ready for the game next week," Clark said. "I don't know if they have as many athletes, but I guarantee you they bring as much pressure as Aberdeen's going to bring. I'm going to say it will be a good football game."