The playoffs have arrived, and the Tigers have punched their ticket. Marking the final night of Friday night lights for the regular season, many teams were watching as their seasons came to a close. The Opelika Bulldogs ended their season with the decision to not ask Erik Speakman back following missing the playoffs for the 2nd year in a row. Percy Jullian ended their season on a high note with a 5-5 season and remains the most improved team of the year after winning just one game last season. With season-enders across the region, last Friday took Auburn to Panther Stadium. Auburn took on Smiths Station in a 7A region matchup. Taking the short trip east, the Tigers were well-represented and had quite a game before their playoff debut.
The Panthers came into this game with a 1-8 record on the season. Their singular win game to a J.A.G team that had not won a single game the entire year. It was safe to say, the Panthers were not going to survive this battle playing at the level they had been.
On the line for Auburn was playoff seeding. A Win would solidify a trip to Baker, While a loss would send the Tigers to Mary-Montgomery. A Win for Percy Jullian versus Enterprise was the only factor allowing Auburn to host at home. In last Friday's battle, the Tigers were fighting to not fall to the fourth seed heading into week 1.
Surprisingly, the game began with the Panthers striking first, putting up 6, and completing a 2-point conversion to push the score to 8-0. The Tigers answered quickly though, and the Panthers did not see their endzone for the rest of the game. Auburn had a dominant night on both sides of the ball and put an end to the Panthers relatively quickly.
Smith Stations season may have come to an expected end Friday, but it sparked the kickoff of playoffs for teams like the Tigers. This week, Auburn will take the long trip down south to take on the Baker Hornets. Statistically, the Hornets have not performed well against Auburn, holding a 0-2 record. Additionally, they have not faired well in playoffs in the past, with a 1-10 all-time record. If there is any time to strike though, this would be the year. With the home-field advantage and an even record with the Tigers, The Hornets can pull an upset if they play their cards right. Baker holds losses to the Region 1 leader, Mary Montgomery, and Dothan.
Auburn is ready to silence the doubters this post-season. Heading into week 1, they are looking stronger than ever. Auburn has not lost in the 1st round since 2014 and has made the playoffs consistently since 2000. The Tigers have the post-season experience to take them all the way during playoffs. Auburn remains 8-2, competing in what in my opinion, is the toughest region in this state. Region 2 holds the number 1 ranked team, number 4 ranked team, number 5 ranked team, and number 7 ranked team in Alabama. Auburn has had to fight hard every week in Region 2, and I think it might just give them the needed experience to fare well in the playoff season. Head south to Baker High School this Friday as your Tigers take on the Hornets.
