The Straughn Tigers (10-1) will be up for the challenge when they travel to West Blocton Friday night to face the West Blocton Tigers (10-1) in the second round of the AHSAA playoffs.

West Blocton’s only loss this season came in week 10 to the Greensboro Raiders. The Raiders beat West Blocton 28-22 in overtime.

Straughn’s only loss was a 10-7 defeat by the St. James Trojans in week two.

“They are a lot different than any team we have played this year,” Straughn head coach Trent Taylor said. “Most every team we played ran a lot of spread, and we won’t see any of that this week. They are a double wing with a tight end, and they’re kind of a combination between flexbone and wing-T.

With the cold weather Friday night, Taylor expects West Blocton to run the ball a lot.

“Instead of facing a team that throws the ball 25 times a game, we are facing a team that might throw the ball five times a game on average,” Taylor said. “So with the cold weather expected tomorrow night I would expect them to run a lot.”

Taylor said that Straughn will go up against a very talented offensive line.

“Even on third-and-long they don’t pass much, because they are so talented up front they can just run an outside toss play for a first down,” Taylor said.

“This might be the best offensive line I’ve ever seen in all my years of coaching with their technique,” Taylor said. “They have a large group on the line. Their right tackle is 6-foot-4 inches tall and weighs 270 pounds.”

On defense Taylor said that West Blocton will line up in a 4-3, which is what the Tigers have seen most of the year.

“On offense we still will run the same style offense that has got us here,” Taylor said.

Taylor said that his guys have a good week of practice, and are excited to play tonight.

“When you get to this point you are getting down to some pretty good football teams, and it comes down to who wants it more and will go that extra mile for it.” Taylor said

The Straughn Tigers and the West Blocton Tigers will kick off at 7 p.m. with temperatures expected in the 20s at game time.