The Greene County and Harlan Community football teams have some things in common as they prepare for a non-district game on Friday night at Linduska Field in Jefferson. Both lost their season opening games last Friday to teams that advanced to the second round of the 2016 playoffs. The Rams fell to Class 2A Kuemper Catholic in Jefferson 21-14, and the Knights lost in Harlan to Class 4A Lewis Central (Council Bluffs) 34-24.

Both the Rams and Cyclones had success throwing the ball in week one. The Rams were 20 for 35 through the air for 236 yards and a touchdown. The Cyclones had similar numbers against the Titans. Both teams threw the ball better than they ran it, and both tossed a couple of interceptions.

Another similarity is that both had losing seasons in 2016. The Cyclones were 3-6 last season and the Rams were 1-8, and both coaching staffs believe they are improved this year. If week one is any indication, they could be right. Both defenses allowed both fewer points and fewer yards to the same opponents in week one compared to 2016.

Kickoff Friday night is at 7:30 p.m. with coverage on KG98 and www.raccoonvalleyradio.com starting at 6:30 p.m.