The 2009 high school football season kicks off today for some 9-man and Class A teams across the state, while the majority of others are waiting until this weekend.

In one of those games, TGU will take on Mohall-Lansford-Sherwood in a 9-man non-region tilt at 7 p.m. in Mohall.

The game features one the top teams in Region 4 (TGU) against one of the top teams in Region 5 (M-L-S), as projected by preseason polls.

"In doing the scheduling we knew we had to pick up at least two non-region games," TGU head coach Scott Thorson said. "I told our AD to find some quality teams early so we can kind of test our kids and see where they are at. I think we found some quality teams that's for sure."

Both teams are using the game as a tool for the fast-approaching region season. TGU plays host to Region 5's Divide County Saturday before hosting Dunseith in a region game Sept. 4.

M-L-S opens up region play at home against Trenton-Trinity Christian Sept. 5.

"We are trying to get our kids ready and in game shape and get our game plans ready to go," M-L-S head coach Matt Titus said. "It's a football game and you want to win it. Just because you don't put a tally behind your region mark doesn't affect the approach you have."

TGU is led by all-state running back Ian Keller, who ran for 1,343 yards and 17 touchdowns last season. Thorson is not as concerned with the offense as he is the defense, which gave up 31 points per game in 2008.

"Our biggest thing is to see where we stand defensively," Thorson said. "We are going against two good offenses to start the season. Can we stop them or are we going to give up 60 points or whatever? That has been our focus for the last nine months. We'll get the true test here."

TGU's defense will have its hands full with M-L-S's all-region running back Ben Keith, The 5-foot-7 senior ran for 928 yards and 12 touchdowns during the Mavericks' 6-4 campaign last year.

Both teams are looking to take the next step after finishing well in 2008.

The Mavericks made the playoffs for the second-straight season, won their playoff opener, then lost in the second round.

TGU also made the playoffs last year, won its playoff opener, then lost in the second round.

Other area teams in action today are 9-man runner up Williams County, North Star, Dunseith and Kenmare-Bowbells.

Williams County, now in Class A, plays host to Bowman County, while North Star plays at Drayton-ST-V and Dunseith at Kenmare-Bowbells.