Photo by Sam Yu Winless against Urbana in 10 meetings all-time, unbeaten Frederick and quarterback Andre April look to take the next step vs. the Hawks. April, shown here against Tuscarora on Sept. 7, leads the area in passing with 603 yards this season.

The Hawks have won the previous 10 meetings between the schools by an average of 30.4 points.

But Frederick coach Vince Ahearn and his players believe Friday night's game at Urbana could be different.

Ahearn has even heard a new word being thrown around his team this week. Favorite.

"I don't think so, honestly," Ahearn said, trying to take some pressure off of his team.

"We are still working our way up. You have to prove yourself before you can call yourself a favorite. I think our kids understand that."

The Cadets have people talking, though, after a 3-0 start.

They have demonstrated an ability to win methodically, as they did in victories over Tuscarora and Winters Mill, or with big plays, like they employed in last week's 39-7 home rout of Century.

Frederick put together four scoring drives of five plays or less and had three touchdowns stretch 62 yards or more.

"Frederick is a good team," Urbana coach Joe Polce said. "They have some very talented kids."

First-year starting quarterback Andre April has shown an ability to hurt teams with his arm and his legs, like his predecessor Damien Wallace.

April has thrown six touchdowns so far, including one to Danzel Ferguson last week after avoiding a sack with some nifty footwork.

"Andre is developing. He is getting there," Ahearn said. "He is starting to become more comfortable out there as far as his reads, his checks and his audibles. We are loosening the reigns a little bit."

Urbana is 2-1 because of its defense and will present April with his biggest challenge to date.

The Hawks have only allowed 26 points in their first three games and six of those were surrendered by the special teams on a punt return.

"Defenses are usually ahead of the offense at this time of year. We are pretty young. It's taking our offense a little more time to gel," Polce said after watching his team score 31 points in the first three games combined.

Urbana has two returning starters on both sides of the ball. Polce said many of the new starters have come in and played well.

Both of the returning players on offense are linemen.

"The guys they have filled in with are very good," Ahearn said.

"These lineman are not heavy, slow guys. They are big, strong and athletic. They can line up and take it to you."

The contrasting strengths -- Frederick 's' offense against Urbana 's defense -- figure to play a major role in the outcome of the game.

Ahearn already expects this game to be "one that puts a lot of gray hair" on his head.

"At least I still have it," he joked.

Ahearn couldn't say what a first win over Urbana would mean to his team. He has to experience it first.

"There has always been a certain aura attached to Urbana ," he said. "It's certainly going to be a big challenge and one that our kids are looking forward to."