It will be an early report card tonight for the Helias Crusaders.
The Crusaders, ranked No. 2 in the Class 4 preseason poll, will travel to Harrisonville to take on the third-ranked Wildcats at 7 p.m.
"You could start the season with a game you're pretty sure you can win," Helias coach Phil Pitts said. "But I like the fact we're pushed in Week 1. It shows you things you need to work on.
"Plus, since you know it's going to be a tough opener, it really focuses your intensity at the start of fall practice to get ready for it. The kids have to get dialed-in quickly."
The Crusaders briefly talked about the lofty ranking as a team Wednesday.