BRIDGE CITY — Two teams seeking their first wins of the season will be battling it out Friday night as the Anahuac Panthers will welcome in the Bridge City Cardinals in a vital non-district game for both teams.

The Cardinals (0-2) are coming off a 65-14 loss to Jasper last week after falling to Diboll 27-7 in their season opener.

Meanwhile, the Panthers (0-2) suffered a 48-33 loss to Edna last week after they fell to Tarkington 53-28 in their opener.

The Cardinals are looking to bounce back after allowing almost 500 total yards against a powerful Jasper squad.

The Cardinals are allowing 337 yards a game after two contests.

Bridge City is also looking to get the ball moving on offense. The Cardinals did gain 202 yards against Jasper and are now averaging 130 yards a game after gaining just 58 yards against Diboll.

The Cardinals received another pounding effort from senior fullback Andy Lara, who rushed for 104 yards on 21 carries against Jasper. He now has 132 yards on 27 carries for the season.

Sophomore quarterback Ethan Oceguera has completed 11-of-27 passes for 69 yards as he will look to get the ball to speed guys like Blake Moore, Dorian Pruitt and George Fleming.

Anahuac will be looking to make a strong pitch when they start District 12-3A Division I play in a couple weeks as well behind new coach Greg Neece and five starters returning on each side of the ball.

Quarterback Foster Kreuzer returns as do backs Teriyan Nyaribo and Landon Fanus.

Linebacker Cade Dye and defensive end Logan Derhoyos were solid on defense last year as sophomores.

The two squads met in Bridge City last year with the Cardinals earning a hard-fought 13-6 victory. Lara plowed his way to 118 yards on the ground in the win while tailback back Rylan Ply had 82 total yards, 42 on the ground and 40 more on a big reception.

The Cardinals will return to action Thursday, Sept. 19 when they visit Silsbee. Anahuac will have a bye next week and will host Kirbyville in its 12-3A Division I opener Sept. 27.