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Straughn (5-3, 5-1 4A Region 2) will head to Opp (6-2, 4-2) in a rivalry showdown with huge playoff implications on the line for both teams on Friday, Oct. 25, at 7 p.m.

This will be the 25th matchup between the two teams with the all-time series locked in a 12-12 tie. The Tigers and Bobcats first played in the modern era in 2002 but met each other four times from 1928 to 1934.

“Coach (Ed) Rigby has done a great job this season, and Opp has had a lot of success to this point,” Head Coach Garrett Windham said. “They have some outstanding athletes in places which will require us to be sound, especially on defense. They’ll give us a few different looks offensively and play a very sound defense. Again, we will have to play disciplined and execute at a high level in order to have success.”

Last week, Straughn used a fourth-quarter rally and edged New Brockton, 36-33. Opp could not overcome six turnovers and fell at Ashford, 42-16.

Windham said his team’s previous game was another hard-fought region win.

“Our kids played hard the entirety of the game. We felt really good about our offensive game plan, and minus a few fumbles, we were able to move the ball pretty consistently. We ran for over 400 yards, which is a reflection of the entire offense executing at a high level,” he said.

Windham added that New Brockton came prepared and ready to play.

“New Brockton had a good game plan offensively as well and gave us some issues on defense with leverage and alignment. Thankfully, we were able to get that squared away and settle in the second half and make some stops when we needed to.”

The Tigers pitched a 47-0 home shutout over the Bobcats in 2023.