While wins have been hard to come by, as of late, both the Nacogdoches Dragons and Whitehouse Wildcats still have plenty to play for when they face off at 7:30 tonight at Wildcat Stadium in Whitehouse.

Nacogdoches (3-5, 0-3) has not been mathematically eliminated from playoff contention, but even with wins in its final two games, the chances are still slim.

The main thing is that a win over Whitehouse tonight would give the Dragons the upper hand on the Wildcats and could create some interesting tiebreaker scenarios.

Whitehouse (1-7, 1-2), on the other hand, has a district win — its only win of the season — and still controls its own destiny. But a win over Nacogdoches would be positive for the Wildcats, considering their final game will be at Henderson, which is 5-3 and 2-1 in District 14-4A play entering its contest tonight at Lindale.

The Wildcats are coming off a heartbreaking 35-30 loss to Kilgore, where they allowed the game-winning touchdown with 21 seconds to play. However, they did have a great night offensively, with 621 yards of total offense, led by quarterback Hunter Taylor, who passed for 440 yards.

Taylor was 29-of-42 and threw two touchdowns. Chad Lewis added 124 yards rushing on 18 carries.

It will be important for the Dragons to play consistent defense in all four quarters.

After shutting down Lindale's rushing attack early, Nacogdoches allowed the Eagles to rush for 244 yards in Lindale's 28-14 win last week at Dragon Stadium.

Now, the Dragons will be faced with the task of also stopping the pass, something Whitehouse has mastered in the past, but had struggled with in the two previous games before it played Kilgore.

Whitehouse has had somewhat of a quarterback carousel this season, but after last week, the job should be in Taylor's hands.

The X-factor tonight will be Whitehouse junior Trey Metoyer. A standout receiver, the Wildcats have put him at quarterback, at times, to get the ball to him any way possible.

The key for the Dragons will be limiting turnovers. They had their best performance in that category last week, with only two giveaways, but they came at deciding points in the game.

There is likely to be a lot of yards posted from both teams in this contest. The deciding factor could be which team takes advantage of their opportunities and puts the ball into the end zone.

Nacogdoches will close the season against Kilgore next Friday at Dragon Stadium.

Nacogdoches Dragons at Whitehouse Wildcats

7:30 tonight, Wildcat Stadium

Coaches: Bill Harper, Nacogdoches; Randy McFarlin, Whitehouse.

Records: Nacogdoches is 3-5, 0-3. Whitehouse is 1-7, 1-2.

Last week: Nacogdoches fell to Lindale 28-14. Whitehouse fell to Kilgore 35-30.

Key players: Nacogdoches: QB Courtney Patton: The senior used his running ability to make things happen last week. He rushed for 68 yards on 10 carries. If he can find room to run tonight, it could open up more opportunities for him in the passing game. RB Jacoby Ervin: He bruised the Lindale defense on his way to 92 yards on 20 carries last week. If the Dragons continue to use him and D'Aundre Garrett together, it could create problems for the Wildcats. DT Ethan Perkins: He made an impact last week with a sack and several other tackles. If he can create problems up front, along with LaBryant Johnson and Josh Davis, the Wildcats might force some errors. Whitehouse: QB Hunter Taylor: If he throws for more than 400 yards again this week, it will be a long night for the Dragons. But if the Dragons can force him to rush his throws, it could make for an interesting contest. WR Trey Metoyer: His name will be called a lot. If he doesn't touch the ball at least 10 times, then the Wildcats' chances of a victory decrease. He has more than 700 yards receiving this season, while also splitting time at quarterback. DB Quincy Aldridge: He missed the first five games of the season, but has made an impact, ever since. The Dragons need to avoid throwing to his side of the field as much as possible, because not only can it be intercepted, but he has the ability to turn it into a Whitehouse touchdown.

Next week: Nacogdoches hosts Kilgore. Whitehouse travels to Henderson.

Radio: KJ 103.3 FM.

Prediction: Whitehouse 40, Nacogdoches 34.