The Faith Christian Lions head into Friday’s game looking to break a two-game losing streak when Lafayette Christian comes calling. Both teams are tied for second place in eight-man ICGSA South football, the Lions sporting a 2-3 overall record and 2-1 subregion mark and Lafayette sporting a 3-2 overall mark and 2-1 subregion mark.

“We have to win this week,” said Lions head coach Jim McClelland, his team trying to shake off the effects of a two-game losing streak.

Since building a two-game win streak, the Lions have lost their last two outings. The first loss was a lackluster 36-6 affair to ICSGA North first-place Grace Baptist two weeks ago at home, while FCA’s most recent loss, 52-18, came Friday at ICSGA South first-place Ballard.

“There were some positives that came out it,” said McClelland, whose team trailed 30-18 at the half against Ballard (5-0, 3-0). “We hung in there as long as we could, they just had the ability to keep fresh legs in there.”

First-year senior Matthew Jackson led the way for the Lions, tossing touchdown passes of 50 yards to junior Ty Maxwell and 60 yards to senior Brandon Ray, while classmate Adam Taluba (amended from earlier reports) scored the Lions other TD on a 3-yard run as time expired in the first half.

Lafayette is coming off a 35-20 win Friday against Twiggs. That’s the same Twiggs Academy team FCA defeated 56-38 Sept. 4. Faith and Lafayette have one other common opponent this season, Heritage Christian — a team FCA defeated 28-14 on Aug. 28 and Lafayette lost to 16-7 on Sept. 4.

McClelland said his defense is looking to improve in several areas this week.

“Everyone of the boys said, ‘We know what we messed up on,’” said McClelland. “We’re aiming at improving outside containment on sweeps. If they get outside they have been getting 5 or 10 yards on us every time.

“We’re also going to work on coming to the ball more rather than letting the ball come to us,” he added.

On the other side of the ball, McClelland said the improvement this week has more to do with coaching issues like getting the right plays in at the right time.