"These are the games that lift you," he said. "We're all eager and ready to get on that pitch. We know that Ngongotaha are a big team so we need to get them down on the ground quickly and not let them get a shift on.
"We are really focused for this local derby. We haven't got one over Ngongotaha in a long time."
Lewis added this game would be crucial if his side were to contend for a top-four spot - his team are down in seventh, level on five points with Te Teko.
"Last year we sneaked into that last four and this season we want to be there again," he said. "Getting a result here would give us a great boost towards that."
Despite the strong start, Ngongotaha co-manager Jared Grace said he was wary of this weekend's opposition.
"Marist is always a dangerous team - on their day they can beat anyone. Just because we beat them preseason doesn't mean a lot, they had a much depleted team and also I think their loss last weekend was a blip - they fell off the boil slightly.
"Our aim is to counter their strengths and move beyond how we played against Te Teko. This is a hugely important game. We don't want our growth stunted and keep positive momentum going."
Grace said his side's ultimate goal was to put themselves in contention for promotion to the Baywide Premier next season.
"We want to qualify for Premier Division 2 as high up as we can and then get in the top four. It's a big ask and a big dream but here it's important for us to aim for the stars."
Elsewhere Kahukura take on Rangiuru at home looking to bounce back after a 19-16 loss against Papamoa last weekend and Waikite travel to play Waimana - still on a high after a thumping 91-7 win against Katikati in their last match.
Baywide Division 1 fixtures:
Saturday kick-off 2.45pm.
Marist St Michael's v Ngongotaha at Marist Park
Kahukura v Rangiuru at Kuirau Park
Waimana v Waikite at Waimana Domain
Ruatoki v Opotiki at Tuhoe Park
Judea v Katikati at Maharaia Winiata Memorial Park
Te Teko v Papamoa at Dunderdale Park
Baywide Premier and Premier Development fixtures:
Saturday April 8 Premier Development kick-off 1pm. Premier kick-off 2:45pm
Tauranga Sports v Whakarewarewa at Tauranga Domain
Mount Maunganui Sports v Rotoiti at Blake Park
Whakatane Marist v Te Puke Sports at Rugby Park
Paroa v Rangataua at Lawson Park
Greerton Marist v Te Puna at Greerton Park
Poroporo v Arataki at Poroporo Park
