The Pleasant Home Eagles know a playoff spot is at stake tonight when they take on the Red Level Tigers in Pleasant Home.

“We’ve been trying for four years to be have the chance and this is big deal for this program,” Eagles’ head coach Rick Mercer said. “Coach (Chris) Mason was so close last year with pretty much the same record, but this year with McKenzie’s struggles it kind of opened up the door for us. Now, we have chance to control our own fate.”

The Eagles can secure the fourth and final playoff spot for Class 1A, Region 2 with a win tonight over Red Level.

“It’s not going to be an easy task,” Mercer said. “Rivalry games are always tough and Red Level is going to be a tough challenge. They have been playing teams tough this year. Right now, I think are kids my be a little over confident, but will reign them in before the game. I think if we play good we have a good chance to seal the deal for playoffs.”

Mercer said that they have stressed the importance of playing a complete game in order to win.

“Like all game, but particularly with this game, we have preached the need to play four quarters,” Mercer said. “We have only done that one time this season and they was against Kinston. If we do that, we will come out on top.”

Stopping the Red Level offense is also going to be tough task, Mercer said.

“A big task is going to be stopping what they do on offense,” Mercer said. “They have a real good running back that has been doing some good things for them. That quarterback is has been really good doing what Coach (Kenny) Skipper has been wanting with the offense. He can make plays happen and he doesn’t turn the ball over unless you force him too. We are going to have to do our best to force a few turnovers and then just do what we do on offense.”

Mercer said that he knows they will see the best that Red Level has to offer.

“They are going to be a tough team,” Mercer said. “We are going to see their best game and they will play us tough for four quarters. It’s a big game, but if we just play our game we will make the playoffs.”