Fairfield high school varsity Eagles hope to avenge a last minute loss last season to the Ferris Yellowjackets when they kick off the 2010 season Friday at home.

Game time is 7:30 p.m. at Eagle Field.

“They are going to be solid,” FHS head coach Darrell Piske says of the Yellowjackets. “It’s going to be a test for us right out of the box.”

Fairfield won the 2008 matchup with Ferris in overtime and were in a battle until the end in 2009 before dropping the decision.

With just over three minutes to go, the Eagles tied the 2009 game and appeared to be headed to overtime again, but the Yellowjackets returned the ensuing kickoff 90 yards to win.

Both teams are Class AAA, with Ferris playing in District 13 and the Eagles competing in District 20.

The Yellowjackets are directed by returning quarterback Ryan Kidwell who is the pre-season pick as most valuable offensive player in 13-AAA.

Kidwell racked up 1,735 yards in total offense a year ago and scored 12 touchdowns.

The quarterback runs a throwback option offense based on the Wing-T and veer.

“The backs hit the hole hard and the offensive line comes off the ball quickly,” Piske says.

Tailback Shaka Collins, who ran for 1,233 yards and eight touchdowns last season, transitions to fullback this fall.

“It is going to be a battle. They feel like they have their best team, ever,” the FHS head coach reports.

Defensively, the Yellowjackets operate out of a 50 formation, anchored by returning linebacker Montana James, who made 86 tack-