The Demopolis Tigers (8-2, 6-1) host the Sylacauga Aggies (8-2, 5-2) on Friday night in the first round of the Class 5A playoffs.

Sylacauga runs an offense very similar to Demopolis, in that they run the spread option. Tigers head coach Tom Causey said they haven’t seen that offense in a game this season, but have been going against it all year in practice.

“Sylacauga is a high quality team,” he said, “as their 8-2 record shows. We gotta take care of us and work on being physical on both sides of the ball and on special teams.”

The Tigers have lost their last two games against two good opponents, but Causey said that is behind them now.

“We are moving on,” he said. “It’s a new season. The buzz will be in the hallways this week, but the difference from the regular season is you have to get to next week. That will keep us focused. If we don’t go out on Friday nights the rest of the way, we’ll be sitting at home.”

Demopolis lost in the first round of the playoffs last season to Charles Henderson, and will be looking to avoid an early exit again this season.