Don't let the records fool you.

At first glance, it might appear that the Class 3A Wendell Trojans (4-0) are entering tonight's game as a favorite to beat Class 2A Declo (2-2).

It could be closer than you might think. If this were a college football debate, the Hornets would have the edge in "strength of schedule."

The combined record of Declo's four opponents is 11-7. The Hornets' two losses have come to undefeated and ranked teams in Aberdeen and Malad.

Meanwhile, the combined record of the four teams Wendell has beaten: 2-16.

Wendell and Declo swapped places this season, as Wendell moved up to Class 3A's Sawtooth Central Idaho Conference and Declo moved down to Class 2A's Canyon Conference. The only common opponent they've had is Filer - Wendell beat the Wildcats 57-0 two weeks ago and Declo beat them 41-12 last week.

"They're undefeated and consequently we take them very seriously. Our kids are gaining some confidence and it should be a great football game," said Declo coach Kelly Kidd.

The Hornets are a little banged up, as can be expected at this time of year. Kidd said practices have been full-contact and they've turned up the conditioning after the Hornets gave away a 16-point lead in the fourth quarter to No. 5 Malad.

"We're still not where I envisioned this group of kids to be. They've got to increase the intensity and decrease the amount of turnovers and penalties," Kidd said.

It should be intriguing to watch Declo quarterback Jeremy Jenkins and Wendell QB Keith Mowery go head-to-head. Mowery threw for 153 yards and three touchdowns in last week's win over Glenns Ferry. Jenkins, meanwhile, has consistently shown his ability to roll out and fire shots at a number of receivers.

Kickoff is at 7 p.m. in Declo.

Wood River (1-3) at Burley (0-5)

It's Burley's final home game of the season and the Bobcats recognize that a win over Great Basin Conference West foe Wood River would most likely give them a playoff berth and extend their season.

"We're looking forward to playing Wood River and hopefully get that win so that we can play in the playoffs," said Burley's Seth Koyle. "I'm a senior, this is my last game. What do I have to lose? Might as well put it all on the table. We really have to get back to basics and keep working harder and harder and hopefully we'll break through."

Buhl is the two teams' only common opponent - the Indians beat Burley 34-12 and Wood River 37-0 in back-to-back weeks to open the season.

After tonight's 7 p.m., game Wood River still has GBW heavyweights Jerome and Minico on its schedule. Barring any huge upsets in those games, tonight is also the Wolverines' shot at earning a spot in the postseason.

Burley coach Eugene Kramer said his team is seeking revenge from a 21-7 loss to the Wolverines last year. The Bobcats' home crowd in last week's homecoming loss to Jerome was one of the largest Burley has seen in recent years. Kramer expects the Skaggs Events Center to be rocking again tonight.

"We've had great support from the community. They've never let us down even though we don't have the best record, they know we're doing things right and we're moving in the right direction," Kramer said.

Ryan Howe may be reached at 208-677-8786 or ryan.howe@magicvalley.com