The Straughn Tigers (3-2) are seeking a region victory when they host Houston Academy (1-6) on Friday night for homecoming in Straughn.

“Their coach does a great job with kids over there,” Straughn head coach Chris Wilson said. “They have been struggling a bit right now, but you can tell that they are getting better each week.”

Wilson said he was pleased with his team’s response after a loss last week.

“This week has been really good,” Wilson said of the practice. “The kids really responded will after a rough Friday night last week. The energy has been really positive and I think we will see a difference this week.”

Houston County is a team that is going to try and run the football from different formations, Wilson said.

“They will run spread a little and then they will get into a flexbone like us,” Wilson said. “They are not extremely big and that’s because they are a young football team. Like us, they are going to get the ball in several different players’ hands. They like to fun the football, but they are going to just rely on one guy.”

On defense, Wilson said that Houston County will mix up their fronts according to what the offense is doing.

“They will bring eight men in the box with four down lineman, but they will also change up to three man front and shift someone off the line,” Wilson said. “They will mix up according to what they see. They want to create confusion and hope you make a mistake blocking them up front.”

Straughn has scored 149 points this year, but the Tigers have also given up 179 points.

“We have to do a better job of being consistent,” Wilson said. “We get Brock (Hammett) back this week, and his experience should help us be more consistent. Another thing is, we can’t get behind the chains on offense.”

Wilson said that consistency on defense would also be key for the Tigers.

“Once again we have to be confident and consistent on defense,” Wilson said. “We have put together some good series and quarters, but it hasn’t be consistent enough. We have to work on being able to recognizing our assignment and getting into the right spot.”

Kickoff between Straughn and Houston Academy will be at 7 p.m., tonight in Straughn.