Florala’s No. 1 goal leading into tonight’s jamboree against New Brockton is to be “competitive,” FHS coach Chris Buckler said.

“Last year, we were anything but competitve on and off the field,” Buckler said. “We have tried to change that mentality, and get the players to compete at everything they do.

“We know we are young, and I am sure that will show as we go through the season, but we are building for our region games,” he said.

The Wildcats will start their pre-season after winning two games in the past two seasons.

Buckler said he hopes the game tonight will weed out who the “starters” will be next week.

“(Tonight), we are going against a tough opponent and a good head coach in coach (Jim) Striplin,” he said. ” We hope to find out who our starters are going into week one.

“Our keys to success will rely in how well our offensive line performs,” he said. “If they can stay on blocks and execute the correct assignments, then we will have success running the ball. I fully expect that we will be the best conditioned team on the field in every game that we go into. ”

Around the community, Buckler said the town is ready for some football this year.

“The excitement around here is building every hour, and there have been several people this week calling and coming by to buy tickets,” he said. ” It should be a great kick-off for next week.”

The game tonight starts at 7 at Matthews Stadium.