Porters Chapel Academy will make some history Friday afternoon, while also hoping it repeats itself.

PCA will serve as the opening act in its first-ever Red Carpet Bowl appearance, when it takes on Union Christian at 3:30 p.m. at Vicksburg High’s Memorial Stadium. The opponent is one the Eagles have soundly beaten each of the last three seasons, and figures to do so again.

PCA won its three previous meetings with Union Christian by a combined score of 166-14.

“There’s a level of confidence there, but on the same hand, we don’t take them lightly. We make sure to get ready for a tough, physical game,” PCA coach Wayne Lynch said. “We’re not overlooking them by any means. Any team can show up and do some damage if you allow them to, so we’re trying to prepare with that mentality.”

Keeping his guys motivated to take their opponent seriously might be the biggest challenge the second-year head coach faces, but playing in a Red Carpet Bowl atmosphere is sure to add an extra layer of excitement that should carry over on the field.

“(The players) are extremely excited about it. They know that it’s a big platform to be on and I know they’re excited about it and ready to go,” Lynch said.

The Eagles ironed out some kinks in a jamboree last weekend against Class AAA Hillcrest and Class AA Brookhaven Academy, and are now full steam ahead as they go into the regular season.

“We did fairly well (in the jamboree). We have some things we have to fix and adjust, both coaches and players, so we did that and we’re implementing those changes as we speak this week and just getting ready for Friday night,” Lynch said.

Lynch said he’s seen tremendous growth from quarterback Zac Morgan in the offseason, but the linchpin to the team’s success could be two-way star Logan Pickering and his offensive output.

Pickering led PCA in tackles last season, but he’ll also be sharing running back duties with Hunter Lyons. That combination is one that will spearhead an offense with high expectations.

“I feel like both of those guys have really stepped it up and I have a lot of confidence in them. I also have a strong receiving corps,” Lynch said. “I have six receivers and each and every one of them will get significant playing time and I have the same confidence in each one of them.”

While the Eagles are introducing a trendy no-huddle offense, Union Christian’s scheme is like taking a trip in a time machine. The Lions run an inverted wishbone, relying on power sets and off-tackle runs for most of their production. In keeping with the old-school theme, the Lions’ defense attempts to stuff the line of scrimmage with four- and five-man fronts.

It’s a strategy PCA is well prepared for.

“We’re ready and we’ve been working hard. The guys have been preparing well. We’re just ready to get some live action,” Lynch said. “Last week was the first time we actually had live competition because of our numbers. It was a good experience for us. We know now what to look for and we’re ready to go.”

Red Carpet Bowl

Friday, at Vicksburg High

3:30 p.m. – PCA vs. Union Christian

6 p.m. – Warren Central vs. Terry

8:30 p.m. – Vicksburg vs. McComb

Admission: $15 at the gate or $12 in advance. Tickets are valid for all three games. Advance tickets are available at school athletic offices for PCA, Warren Central and Vicksburg, Just Duett Sports, or any RCB committee member.