Following a slow start that saw Whitefield Academy split its first four games, the Wolfpack is holding steady after two straight Region 6A (B) victories and is now 4-2 overall and, more importantly, 2-0 in subregion play.

Whitefield is averaging 27.7 points per game while holding opponents to only 11.2 per contest, and the defense will need to play well to keep that statistic from rising too high when the team hosts Mount Pisgah Christian (4-2, 1-1) in subregion play tonight.

Whitefield leads the all-time series against Mount Pisgah 5-0 and has outscored the Patriots 56-9 in the last two meetings, including a 30-9 decision last year.

However, this year’s Mount Pisgah team, which struggled late last season, losing its final four games, has changed offensive and defensive coordinators to revive both units. The results have been telling with the Patriots now running a spread offense and averaging 31.3 points per game.

“It’s an offense based on spreading the field, and getting athletes into space,” Mount Pisgah coach Doug Dixon told the North Fulton Neighbor in the preseason. “That’s what we’re going to do this year, throw it around a lot and hurry up to the line.”

Because Mount Pisgah will pass often, it will be up to Whitefield’s cornerbacks and linebackers to be wary of receivers in front as well as behind them to limit big plays from the Patriots.

One such player, Wolfpack cornerback Max Kemether, will be relied upon to keep Mount Pisgah in check.

A starter at quarterback for Whitefield Academy last season as well as the final five games of 2010, Kemether relinquished much of the play calling duties to Everett Pollard this year, which has helped spur the Wolfpack offensively and defensively.

“Our quarterback position is not an issue because Max is definitely a team guy,” Whitefield Academy coach Jimmy Fields said. “Everett has done a good job at quarterback and in our offense. They both compete for the job each week, which makes them both better.

“It’s not a failure on Max’s part. He’s very talented and has been a key player to our success the last couple of weeks. Max has played quarterback for us at times in crucial situations because he has that experience. He can come in and give us a spark there like the sixth man off a bench. We’re blessed to have two guys who can play our quarterback position.”

Kemether doesn’t just play cornerback and quarterback for the Wolfpack. Sometimes, the 5-foot-11, 150-pound senior is inserted into the slot back and he is also the placekicker.

“Max has done a great job in the team role,” Fields said. “He’s a kid that’s put the team goals over any individual goals and it’s helped us.

“He has football skills and a football savvy for the game. He’s a Friday night player and competes whenever he’s on the field. He has good quickness and speed; he’s not a big guy, but he’s a tough kid physically.”