After cruising past Smiths Station 63-0 in its last regular season game, Auburn High will take on Fairhope (8-2) this Friday in the first round of the 7A state playoffs.
With back-to-back wins to close out the regular season, the Tigers finished 9-1 on the year and No. 2 in their region. Central, who beat Auburn earlier in the season, came out at the number one spot in the region.
Auburn High coach Keith Etheredge noted the importance of picking up those wins heading into the playoffs.
“Winning those last two was very important. We wanted that home field for the playoffs for the first round, so we needed to win those two games to secure that," he said. "Nothing beats playing at The Duck this week and we’re just looking to come out and play great on Friday."
In last week's game, Etheredge opted to only play starting quarterback Clyde Pittman for one down, in hopes of resting him in preparation for the playoffs. Junior Davis Harsin, who has seen a lot of playing time along with Pittman this season, led the Tigers to their largest win of the season.
Having two talented quarterbacks at his disposal has been one thing that Etheredge has not taken for granted this year. In almost every game, both players were swapped out often and both seem to have great chemistry with the rest of the offense. From the outside, this dynamic they have had going all season looks to be a pig piece of the puzzle in how successful this team has been.
Etheredge hinted that even though they rested Pittman last week, Harsin will still be an important factor for this team in the upcoming games.
Along with the two quarterbacks, Etheredge was quick to applaud his whole team in how they have been preparing for this upcoming game. He stated that they are working out those last kinks in practices and the team’s overall atmosphere is excited but equipped for this weekend. Etheredge believes his guys are ready.
“This week’s practices have been going well. We know we better be ready come Friday because playoff games, of course, are win or go home,” said Etheredge. “I think our kids have responded real well though and we just still are looking to get a little better every week. You know we want to make that run here at the end but it all starts this week. We have to make sure we dot our i's and cross our t’s because that’s what you have to do come playoffs.”
Another impact on this season has been the community involvement. Every home game at Duck Samford Stadium has been packed this season and Etheredge hopes that will continue into the team’s postseason run.
“It’s been great. We have great people coming every week to support. They’re loud every home game and we couldn't ask for anything more than that. Of course, we hope to see it this Friday” said Etheredge.
Auburn’s post-season will kick off this Friday at 7 p.m. in Duck Samford Stadium against Fairhope.
If the Tigers win on Friday they will advance and play the winner of Foley vs. Dothan.
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