It might be the best matchup no one’s talking about, and that’s OK with East Union coach Willie Herrera.

For him and his Lancers, Friday’s regional tilt with the much-improved Lathrop Spartans might as well be the Super Bowl. Seriously.

With four weeks left in the season and a mathematical shot at the playoffs, Herrera said each of their last four games is going to be, well...

“Extremely important. Our emphasis going into every week is that we want to go one game at a time. We don’t look back,” Herrera said, referencing the Lancers’ 52-0 loss at Central Catholic last week.

“There’s been a sense of urgency around here because this game is extremely important to us and our program. This is Super Bowl week.”

The Lancers and Spartans find themselves in a dead heat with Manteca through the first three games in Valley Oak League play. All three teams are tied for fourth at 1-2.

East Union (2-4 overall) has proven to be much a tougher out in Herrera’s fourth year. The Lancers had gone 1-9 in each of his first three seasons, but with blowout victories over Johansen and Kimball, the Lancers have already assured themselves their best finish under Herrera.

Sophomore Jack Weaver is a blossoming talent at quarterback, while seniors Joseph Borba and Angel Roblero get a lion’s share of the carries in the Lancers’ Wing offense.

“We’d love to just run the ball all game,” Herrera said, “and we want to throw when they’re not expecting it. (Weaver has) shown us he can handle a little more each week. He’s become a bigger leader each week. We’re able to give him more because of his maturity.”

While East Union-Lathrop doesn’t carry same clout as, say, Sierra-Oakdale, the battle of unbeatens unfolding across town, the regional tilt promises to be small-scale blockbuster.

Lathrop celebrated its stadium dedication with a 35-15 victory over the Lancers a year ago, snapping a four-game losing streak in the series.

Both teams are better versions of their former selves. 

“I’m really excited. This is big for us; big for our kids,” Herrera said. “We’ve doubled our wins from last year, which is good. It feels good to win and compete and see the fruits of your labor.”

The Spartans have plenty to play for, too.

At 2-4, Lathrop is searching for its first three-win season in program history. A victory Friday would also keep its slim postseason hopes alive.

The Spartans were roughed up by Sierra last week, 37-7. The Timberwolves scored the first 37 points, including 21 in the first quarter.

“We had to feel comfortable knowing we gave our best effort, and if we do, then we could be happy with our effort,” Lathrop coach Steven Wichman said after Friday’s loss. “If not, we need to get back to work on Monday.”

Quarterback Diego Chavez promises to be a big part of Lathrop’s game plan on Friday. The junior quarterback accounted for 93 percent of the team’s offense on Friday and connected with Felix Rodriguez on an 8-yard touchdown pass in the fourth quarter.

“We have to limit their number of possessions, offensively,” Herrera said, crediting Wichman for his game management and quick influence on that program.

“We have to get first downs and extend drives. Time of possession is going to be key.”