File Photo Union Local and Martins Ferry will put their 2-0 records on the line tonight as the Jets travel into Purple Land.

MARTINS FERRY — Both Union Local and Martins Ferry are off to strong 2-0 starts.

But, both Jets head coach Bernie Thompson and Purple Riders coach Justin Kropka will also be the first to admit that they’re preparing for their toughest test to date on Friday.

They’ll clash at the Dave Bruney Football Complex inside Purple Rider Stadium with kickoff slated for 7 p.m.

“Our kids have been playing hard, they’ve bought in and they’re an incredibly fun group to coach,” Kropka said of his Rider who owns wins over Shadyside and Leetonia. “There’s definitely been a little extra pep in everyone’s step being 2-0, but we’ve got a really strong and talented team coming in here this week, so we have to be ready to play.”

Meanwhile, the Jets are perfect thanks to victories over Columbus Crusaders and Buckeye Local. Last week, the Jets were 45-7 winners over the Panthers and took steps forward that Thompson had hoped to see.

“We definitely played better than we did in week one, and we eliminated some of the mistakes we made,” Thompson said. “There are some things we have to continue to sure up on both sides of the ball because we left some plays out there (against Buckeye), but overall we’re pleased.”

Whether it be as a fan, player or coach, Thompson has been around the prep football scene long enough to know that winning at Martins Ferry is never easy.

“It’s a business trip,” Thompson said. “The last time we played at Martins Ferry (in 2020), we got spanked. They’ve got a wonderful tradition and Martins Ferry has an important place in the history of football in the Ohio Valley. We’re definitely aware of the challenge.”

The Riders have been versatile on offense thus far with sophomore quarterback Ayden Ludolph leading the way. He has completed 11 of 20 passes for 217 yards and two touchdowns. He’s also rushed for 80 yards on the young season.

When the Riders hand the ball off, junior Tev’n Williams has been the go-to-guy in the early portion of the season. He’s rushed 13 times for 162 yards and three touchdowns.

When Ludolph does pass the ball, Baron Lucey and Landyn Hores have been his top targets.

“The offense (revolves) around the quarterback,” Thompson said. “They’re physical up front, so we’ll need to make plays on both sides of the ball. I am really intrigued to see how our guys respond this week.”

The Jets, meanwhile, have been run heavy thus far and who can blame them?

Riding the legs of senior Jaksan Price and senior quarterback Carter Blake was a good recipe last week as both surpassed the century mark in yardage. Union Local also expects to get senior Hayden McCrate, who missed last week, back in the lineup.

For the season, Price has rushed 29 times for 382 yards and eight touchdowns. Blake has gained 144 and scored four touchdowns on the ground, but he’s thrown for just 53 yards on 7 of 20 accuracy.

“There aren’t too many weaknesses with Union Local,” Kropka said. “Most of their guys are three and four-year starters and you can tell that because they do the things that experienced teams do. They’re not careless with the ball, their line is as good as I’ve seen in a while.”