Where: Mexico High School.When: Friday, Oct. 30.Time: 7 p.m.Records: Mexico — 9-1. Warrenton — 6-4.Coaches: Mexico — Steve Haag. Warrenton — Steve McDowell.Last Year’s Meeting: Did not play.Outlook: Mexico has experienced considerable improvement the past two seasons, going a combined 18-4 under Haag. This fall the Bulldogs have relied predominantly on their running game, operating out of a flex-type double wing with two tight ends employed most of the time. McDowell says they are “95 percent run, 5 percent pass.”The Bulldogs’ top threat appears to be fullback Karsten Ekern, who has amassed 1,477 yards and 23 touchdowns on 181 carries this season. Mexico has looked to the air just 39 times all season, converting on 20 of those pass attempts. Spencer Thomas has taken the majority of the snaps, while adding 313 yards on 61 rushes from his quarterback role.Ekern also has been a force defensively, collecting a team-high 93 tackles, while Kellen Ekern has 82 takedowns. The Bulldogs typically rely on a 3-4 or 3-3 alignment, using multiple looks to confuse the offense.Warrenton has begun to regain some identity in the ground game, after starting running back Cameron Richardson was sidelined with an injury midseason. Senior James Biship has emerged as a viable replacement, with sophomore Trey Taylor sharing snaps.Chmiel has completed 106 of 176 passing attempts for 1,251 yards and 11 touchdowns to nine interceptions. Since Richardson’s injury, Chmiel has risen to the top rushing role with 559 yards on 124 carries.The Warriors also have become comfortable with senior kicker Dillen Mayfield as a scoring option, as he has connected on five field goals this season.Defensively, Jacob Abel leads the way with 88 tackles while Jacob Null has a team-best three sacks.Bottom Line: Warrenton’s defense will have to present its best effort against Ekern, who has imposed his will on most opponents this season. Offensively, the Warriors must establish balance early and avoid the dropped passes that forced them into a one-dimensional look much of the way against Marshall in the first round of districts.—By Derrick Forsythe, Record Staff WriterWarriors