The 2009 high school football season kicks off this weekend, with all four local teams meeting non-region opponents.

Here’s a look at the opening games for Mercer, Slippery Rock, Grove City and Lakeview:

— MERCYHURST PREP AT MERCER — Four-year Mercer High starting quarterback Andrew Erdos and the Mustangs will begin the team’s quest to return to the playoffs at 7 p.m. Friday when the Mercyhurst Prep Lakers come to town for what could very well be a District 10 Class A championship preview.

The Mustangs were 11-2 last season under head coach Pat McClearn, with both losses coming against Linesville. Mercer launched one of the best seasons in school annals with a 26-14 win at Mercyhurst Prep.

The key to Mercer’s success will be replacing five starters on the offensive line who graduated. In addition to the leadership of the veteran Erdos (6-2, 215), the Mustang backfield will also include senior Rawlins Huntley (5-9, 180).

Coach Matt Morgan’s Lakers are coming off a 5-5 season. Tony Cordovano, a senior, is projected as the team’s quarterback in place of Marshall Huntsman, who averaged about 69 yards passing per game in 2008, but had only eight against Mercer.

— SLIPPERY ROCK AT FORT LeBOEUF — Coach Glenn “Pops” Hazlett’s first game as Slippery Rock High’s head coach will come at 7 p.m. Friday when the Rockets visit Fort LeBoeuf.

Coach John Campbell’s Bison are coming off a 4-6 season and junior Jake Green is expected to make his first start for Fort LeBoeuf against Slippery Rock.

Hazlett said he believes senior Ayron Gallagher (5-11, 190) has the edge over sophomore Sean White (5-10, 155) as Slippery Rock’s starting quarterback, while senior Justin Angerett (5-9, 150) and junior Alec McDeavitt (6-1, 170) will handle rushing duties.

— GROVE CITY AT ERIE CENTRAL TECH — Jeff Bell will begin his 13th season as Grove City High's head coach at 1 p.m. Saturday when the Eagles visit Erie Central Tech.

Grove City suffered a 21-12 setback at home last season when the Eagles opened with the Falcons and Bell said it will be important for his team to get wins in the first few games before beginning a rigid schedule in District 10’s Class AAA Region 5.

Central Tech went on to win just one other game in 2008 — a 16-8 triumph over Erie East who Grove City meets Sept. 11.

Head coach Jason Beer is the Falcons taskmaster this season and will guide a team that had 26 juniors and sophomores on it’s roster in 2008, including projected quarterback Erick Blue, a junior.

Grove City sophomores Tyler Dagres (6-0, 180) and Mason DePeal (6-2, 170) are competing for Bell’s nod as the starting quarterback and the coach said he expects both will see playing time against Central Tech.

Seniors Marty Phipps (5-10, 170) and Nick Reddick (5-11, 200) will share running back duties in the game, Bell said.