FERRIDAY — Huntington’s road to the state MPSA Class A championship game takes them to Raymond Friday to take on the Central Hinds Academy Cougars.

The Hounds came out on top in a slugfest against Wayne Academy. Running back Jody Cottongin scored the winning touchdown in the fourth quarter to clinch the 8-7 win in round one.

“This is the playoffs,” Huntington head coach Chad Harkins said. “Anyone can beat anyone.”

Central Hinds used their power running attack to defeat WCCA 24-14.

The Cougars rushed for 267 yards against the Rams and their defense allowed just 195 yards.

Running back Ryan Oliver’s two touchdown runs, both for over 35 yards, led Central Hinds Academy.

“We’ve got tackle and play our (defensive) assignments,” Harkins said. “We do a good job at stopping the run. The things they do play into our strengths.”

Central Hinds head coach Todd Montgomery said he was aware of Huntington’s ability to stop the run but wouldn’t let that get them away from their game plan.

“We’ve made a few adjustments but we’re not going to get away fro the run,” Montgomery said. “It won’t be an offensive shootout Friday night.”

Harkins said they were going to continue to expand their offense by using different sets to keep Central Hinds off balance.

“We’re going to keep spreading the ball out and try to throw a few passes,” Harkins said. “But for the most part, we are going to let Cottongin and Martez (Tolliver) run the ball.”

Montgomery said he wasn’t worried about Huntington spreading the ball out.

“We’ve seen a lot of teams use the spread,” Montgomery said. “Their double wing set concerns me more than the shotgun. We can’t miss tackles against Huntington.”

Montgomery said the game was going to be physical one and likely be a close one.

“Both teams are the type that line of and run right at you,” he said. “It’s going to come down to who plays the hardest and makes the least mistakes.”

Kickoff Is set for 7 p.m.