Blue Valley Northwest dropped to 4-3 after a 28-21 homecoming loss to St. James Academy on Friday, Oct. 16.

The Huskies face an even tougher test Friday, Oct. 23, when they host undefeated Bishop Miege for a 7 p.m. kickoff.

BV Northwest struck first after recovering a Thunder fumble in the opening quarter. Saint James answered with a touchdown to tie the score at seven. The teams traded scores again before halftime, and the game sat locked at 14 through the entire third quarter.

The fourth quarter broke the game open. Saint James scored, then capitalized on a Huskies interception for a second touchdown to take a 28-14 lead. BV Northwest answered with a score to cut the deficit to 28-21. A Thunder fumble gave the Huskies one last chance, but the final play ended with another interception, sealing the loss.

Junior defensive back Marshall Awtry said the defense played its best game of the season despite the result.

Junior wide receiver Akela Carter stepped into a bigger role with fellow receiver Baron Marshall sidelined by injury. Carter ripped off a 50-plus-yard return early in the second quarter to set up a scoring drive. He said afterward that he felt he should have scored on the play and could have done better on his other returns, according to BVNWnews.

Defensive coordinator Kollin Ahern said the game plan centered on stopping Saint James' rushing attack. He acknowledged the defense fell short of that goal but called the performance a step forward.

The Huskies now turn to a Bishop Miege squad that enters Friday's game 7-0 and ranked No. 3 in Kansas, according to On3's Massey Ratings. The Stags have won five games by 21 points or more and are averaging 40.8 points per contest. Senior quarterback Landon Cole has thrown for 1,676 yards and 14 touchdowns. Senior Vinny George has added 777 yards and 12 touchdowns.

Bishop Miege head coach Jon Holmes was named the Kansas City Chiefs' Week 7 Coach of the Week after the Stags routed Blue Valley North 45-14 on Oct. 16. Holmes has compiled seven state championships in his 15th season leading the program.

Carter said the Huskies need the right mindset heading into the matchup.

"Our mentality needs to be [that] we can run anyone over, we can win anything, don't matter the size, how big they are, how good they are, the record," Carter said.

Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. Friday.