Asked how good St. Thomas Aquinas is, Centennial coach Richard Taylor laughed and said, “Do you have an hour?”

The Coyotes and the Raiders square off Friday with both teams looking to stay perfect.

The Raiders, No. 3 in the nation, are 3-0 after a rare Monday night 44-0 victory against Stranahan (Fort Lauderdale, FL).

Both teams have proven they have top tier defenses. St. Thomas Aquinas has only allowed three points this season while the Coyotes (5-0) have allowed 34.

“You know we have seen bits and pieces,” Taylor said, “Spencer Rattler is the best quarterback in the junior class in the United States. We just haven’t seen a complete team like this.”

Centennial players are not fazed by the noise St. Thomas Aquinas brings to Peoria.

“Honestly, this week is like any other week.” senior captain Trevor Renfro said.

Senior running back Zidane Thomas said, “We know this upcoming game the team gets [harder]. It’s going to be a more competitive game so we have to prepare a little bit harder and fix our mistakes from last week.”

Centennial picked up its fifth victory of the season last week against Westview, 45-14. The defense continued to impress in the victory forcing two turnovers, blocking a field goal and racking up 39 tackles on the night.

“I think the keys of the game will be our [smallish] defensive line being able to out quick their huge offensive lineman,” Taylor said, “I think it is important that we win the penalty and turnover battle. Somewhere along the line we have to steal a possession.”

Centennial could have the advantage on special teams with senior kicker Xavier Rojas. Rojas hit a 43-yard field goal last week keeping him a perfect 5-for-5, including the game-winner against Pinnacle.

After this week Centennial plays its first conference game against Shadow Ridge.