Hilton enters Friday with a 3-2 record, an impressive accomplishment given the challenges the Cadets have faced so far this season.

"We haven't had a full team at practice one time this year. We've had an unbelievable amount of injuries and kids missing for whatever reason. Even since the first day of practice on the 19th of August, we haven't had a whole team here not once,” said head coach Rich Lipani. “That might have something to do with the inconsistency."

Despite the adversity, Hilton is starting to look in good form after back to back wins.

"We're building that chemistry and we each know our roles,” said Hilton senior Tah’Jae Hill. “I feel like we can help build off each other and help each other achieve what we've been doing the past couple of games and get back on top."

As a wide receiver, Hill is proving to be a difference maker on the field.

“He's been feeling better and playing better lately. He's just a tremendous athlete and he can make a play at any time whether it's offense, defense, or special teams," Lipani said.

Hill is also a standout basketball player, drawing recruiting interest in both sports.

"Football was my first love. I regret not playing my ninth and tenth grade year. I kind of took a break from it to focus on basketball,” he said. “I came out last year, wanted to take one more shot at it so things seem to be clicking and I'm pretty happy where I'm at right now and hopefully I'll just continue to get better and working hard each day at practice so I'm looking forward to the challenge."

This week, the Cadets are facing the defending state champions. But the players are up for the task.

"Personally I love the competition,” said Hilton senior Jack Loomis. “I would never back down from having games like those. Something we might be underdogs in, but I'll gladly take on the challenge."

Hilton hosts Aquinas in our Friday Night Matchup. Spectrum News will carry the game with coverage beginning at 7:00 p.m.