The Heart of Illinois Conference football race already has taught players and coaches an important lesson during its inaugural season: Don't feel too sorry for yourself after a loss. The next game may be just as difficult.

Ridgeview and Coach Mike Benton knew that would be the case after the Mustangs suffered their first defeat last Friday when LeRoy took a 13-12 victory. Ridgeview fell back into a first-place tie with Gibson City-Melvin-Sibley and Flanagan-Woodland.

Now, Ridgeview (6-1 overall, 5-1 league) tries to protect its share of the HOIC lead when it travels to face preseason favorite Lexington (4-3, 4-2) at 7 o'clock tonight.

"We had some mistakes and a few penalties that cost us. We didn't play that badly," said Benton. "We missed a few blocks and you can't do that against a good team."

While Ridgeview already has clinched a spot when the playoffs open in two weeks, Lexington needs another victory. The Minutemen are coming off a 24-21 nonconference loss at Arthur.

"We cannot look in the rearview mirror. We need to correct our mistakes and look forward," said Lexington coach Don Tanney.

Tanney knows the Minutemen will see a steady dose of Jacob Maffett tonight. The Ridgeview senior has rushed for 969 yards.

"They're strong up front, they have an outstanding running back, they play solid defense and they're a veteran team," said Tanney. "This game will not be a scheme game. Both teams are very familiar with each other. It will be about fundamentals and execution."

While Tanney said Lexington is at its best when it can run and pass effectively, Ridgeview knows limiting Minutemen quarterback Alex Tanney will be crucial. Tanney has completed 133 of 208 attempts for an area-leading 1,350 yards and 13 touchdowns.

"You can't simulate what they do in practice, but I'm sure they're saying the same thing about us," said Benton. "When they're on offense we have to keep everyone in front of us, not give up big plays and tackle well."

Tough task for Dwight

Three straight victories have Dwight on the verge of earning the school's second playoff berth in the last 13 seasons. But getting the magic fifth victory won't be easy.

Dwight (4-3) entertains Plano (7-0) in a 7:30 p.m. game today for the Interstate Eight Conference Small Division title. Plano is No. 2 in the Class 3A rankings. The Trojans finish the season next week at Lisle (4-3).

The Trojans started 0-2, but they were missing five players because of injuries the first week against Manteno and then lost to undefeated Reed-Custer on a tipped pass in the last seconds..

The development of guards Joe Robinson and Waylon Holland has been instrumental to the Trojans' development, said Black. Both were fullbacks last year.

"Each week offensively we've gotten better and better because they've gelled as a unit," said Black. "We have 10 kids going both ways. Defensively I've felt we played well all year.

"We have to match Plano's intensity. A big part of their intimidation is because they're physical. Our kids are confident now."

PBL on a roll

Like Dwight, PBL also lost its first two games to formidable opponents GCMS and Tolono Unity. Plus, Jim Zenner was in his first season as the Panthers' coach.

Zenner knew there would be an adjustment period, but it didn't last long. The Panthers have won their last five games, are tied for the Sangamon Valley Conference lead and appear a lock for the playoffs.

PBL faces Momence (3-4) at 7 o'clock tonight at Paxton before closing the regular season next week in a possible SVC showdown against undefeated St. Joseph-Ogden at St. Joseph.

"After the first game we had some position changes. That helped us get kids in more spots to help us," said Zenner.

Evan Edwards and Bobby Wright switched positions, with Edwards moving to halfback and Wright going to fullfback. Garrett Tolley, a 6-foot-6, 265-pound senior, also moved in at tackle.

Edwards has thrived. He could surpass the 1,000-yard rushing mark tonight, coming in 29 yards short.

"Our goal after the first two games was we wanted to play a real important game in week nine, and if we win this week we play for a conference championship in week nine," said Zenner. "We have to get over one more hurdle."

Alexander tackles record

LeRoy's Brent Alexander set a school record with 33 tackles during last week's victory against Ridgeview. Alexander was credited with nine first hits, 19 assists and five solos.

Alexander broke the former LeRoy record of 30 set by Darin Miller against Farmer City-Mansfield in 1982.

Smith probable

Flanagan-Woodland halfback Brent Smith sat out last week's game after injuring his hamstring. Smith has gained 856 yards rushing. The Falcons (6-1, 5-1) meet Blue Ridge (0-6, 0-7) in a Heart of Illinois game at 7 p.m. today at Flanagan.

"It happened early in the season and he tweaked it pretty good against Fieldcrest two weeks ago," said Flanagan coach Ted O'Boyle. "Brent will play a little bit. The game will probably dictate how much."

Flanagan ends the regular season next week at GCMS.