GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. (KKCO)-- The underdog role isn't a familiar part for the Palisade Bulldogs.

For the first time this season, the Bulldogs are ranked lower than fourth in the top ten of Class 3A. Palisade's 26-21 loss to Delta last week knocked them down from third to tenth in the rankings.

On Friday, the Bulldogs will face (5)Eagle Valley on the Devils' home turf.

Both teams utilize the ground-and-pound scheme on offense, so the Bulldogs say they'll be ready for what their conference opponent has to offer.

Whether they win or lose, though, Palisade's team says their first priority is playing up to their potential.

And in the words of Dalton Hannigan, last week's performance against Delta was "embarrassing."