UPDATE: Warriors Scalp the Mohawks, 42-6

After a 60-19 shellacking of Ottumwa and then a bye week, the Waukee Warriors entered Friday's homecoming game against Mason City confident and ready for the latter half of the season.

Mason City (2-2) has not defeated Waukee (2-2) since the Warriors joined class 4A in 2006. The past two seasons the Warriors have outscored the Mohawks 48-12. Friday night, the Warriors defeated the Mohawks again, 42-6.

Even though the Warriors held the advantage in the series, head coach Scott Carlson says the 2011 Mohawks would present a challenge.

"Mason City lost a lot of good kids from last season, but they present some problems because of the unique style offense they run," he said. "So we'll have to coach our kids on defensive a little differently, so that's our big challenge this week."

Last Friday's 39-point triumph over Ottumwa was the Warriors' largest margin of victory since Sept. 7, 2007, when they defeated Sioux City East, 49-7. Carlson hopes the success snowballs.

"The pieces came together and the confidence began to emerge," Carlson said. "We preach to the kids all the time that success breeds success. Any time you start playing well, it's a catalyst for playing well down the line. And I think that's what happened against Ottumwa."

The Ottumwa game was the end of the non-conference schedule, and Mason City marks the beginning of a tough Iowa Conference schedule that will finish out the season.

Currently at the top of the conference are undefeated West Des Moines Valley, Ames and Marshalltown, who have a combined 13-2 record up to this point. Waukee and Mason City are both 2-2, and Fort Dodge has struggled a bit, they're 1-3.

"Marshalltown is playing awfully well right now," Carlson said. "And Valley, I think, is back where they were a couple of years ago. I'd say not only are they a conference contender, but a state contender, as well."

Waukee quarterback Cole Pederson is having a fine 2011 campaign. His 658 yards of total offense are fifth best in the conference.

Pederson has high hopes for his team in the tough conference.

"I think we can at least get second," he said. "I think we're strong enough and more physical than some of the teams. Marshalltown is good with their passing attack, and Valley's real good. But I really think we can beat Marshalltown, and Valley will be a real good test."

The Warriors should be well-rested as they start their quest through the Iowa Conference. They had no game last Friday, giving the team two weeks to prepare for the Mohawks.

"We gave them the whole weekend off; Friday, Saturday and Sunday," Carlson said. "Now it's time to get back to work, and it's perfect timing because it's the conference season."

The homecoming game against Mason City will begin at 7:30 at .