The task in front of the Dowagiac football team heading into week No. 4 of the high school football season is a big one.

The Chieftains (2-1) must figure out a way to stop the Edwardsburg offense, which has been a juggernaut so far this season.

The undefeated Eddies (3-0) have outscored their opponents 186-8. The lone touchdown scored against Edwardsburg came at the end of the season opener at Allegan long after the outcome of the contest had been decided.

After blowing out the Tigers 62-8, the Eddies have recorded back-to-back shutouts as they defeated Otsego 72-0 and Paw Paw 52-0.

Dowagiac was defeated by Vicksburg 38-27 in the season opener despite leading by 10 points heading into the fourth quarter.

The Chieftains rebounded with wins over Three Rivers (21-7) and Allegan (27-0).

Dowagiac has played well defensively in all three games, but the offense struggled last Friday night in defeating the Tigers.

“Our offense created many of our problems Friday night,” Dowagiac coach Mike Stanger said. “We will work to clean it up. In the second half, the offense moved the ball much better.”

And what does Stanger feel his team needs to do to slow down the Edwardsburg offense?

“We have to be disciplined on defense. Each player has to play 1/11th,” he said. “We have to wrap and finish our tackles. We have to limit their big plays and protect the football when we are on offense. Play with energy.”

Veteran Edwardsburg coach Kevin Bartz knows that the Chieftains will be the best team they have faced so far in 2017.

He also knows first-hand that although his team will be favored in the contest, Dowagiac cannot be taken lightly.

“Offensively Dowagiac has some very good athletes in the skilled positions,” he said. “Caleb Murphy is a threat catching the ball as a receiver and a threat running when he is at quarterback. They have dual threats in the running and receiving game with Shiquan White and Jamin Hunt and are solid at the fullback position. 

“There is always the concern of giving up a big play to these types of skilled players. Defensively Dowagiac has showed improvement in their defensive line and linebackers and are playing strong, aggressive defense.”

Edwardsburg has already rolled up 1,269 yards of total offense. The Eddies season-high total so far has been the 459 yards they finished with against the Bulldogs.

The Eddies came into the season having to rebuild its offensive line and replace a starting quarterback.

According to Bartz, the new players have stepped into their new roles and played well.

“Offensively we have done an excellent job up front getting off the ball and maintaining blocks,” he said. “Although our line lacks varsity experience, they know the system and blocking schemes well. Matt Hepler has been efficient at quarterback and has been excellent in the execution of the offense. We have several backs that run and block well so we can move them in and out as needed to keep them fresh.”

The Eddies have been equally impressive on the defensive side of the football.

“Defensively our front seven have been outstanding,” Bartz said. “Defensive linemen Garrett Orpurt and Noah Carrico have done a tremendous job of stuffing the run and putting pressure on the quarterback. Our inside and outside linebackers are also very solid.”

Bartz said the key to defeating the Chieftains Friday night will be limiting the number of big plays (more than 20 yards), limiting mental mistakes and creating turnovers while protecting the ball on offense.

Kickoff is set for 7 p.m.