FAYETTE — Three weeks ago, it didn’t look like the Jefferson County Tigers would even make the MHSAA Class 3A playoffs.

But three impressive victories later, the Tigers have made school history and are knocking on the door of the South State championship game.

Jefferson County (7-4) will host Tylertown (10-2) at 7 p.m. Friday at Jack Spinks Stadium on the Alcorn State campus, with the winner going to the South State title game.

Three weeks ago, that scenario would have seemed like a dream to Jefferson County fans.

After all, the Tigers only made the playoffs thanks to a last-second victory over Franklin County in the regular season finale.

But Tigers coach James Herrington said once his team got in the playoffs, it had plenty of confidence to make a run.

“We knew we’d be a formidable opponent for anybody, the main thing was just getting in,” Herrington said. “We felt we’d be a dangerous team in the playoffs if we got in, and we are proving that.”

Jefferson County, the No. 4 seed from Region 7, defeated Region 8 top seed Seminary 28-23 on the road in round one and then whipped Region 6 No. 2 team Morton 58-20 at Jack Spinks Stadium last Friday.

Herrington said playing in the ultra-tough Region 7 prepared his team for the playoff run.

“We knew what we had faced all year in Region 7,” Herrington said. “It’s a tough, physical season when you play in our region. We got bitten by the turnover bug in a couple of games, and we knew going into the playoffs we easily could have been a one-loss team.”

And that confidence instilled a new focus in his team, Herrington said.

“This time of year focus is everything,” Herrington said. “These extra games have given us a chance to gel. I contribute it to hard work, coming out focused, taking care of assignments and playing fast.”

Tylertown is a familiar opponent for the Jefferson County, as the Chiefs defeated the Tigers 28-14 on Oct. 15.

The Tigers had a chance to pull the big upset that night, but were stopped on the goal line twice, including a fumble that Tylertown returned inside the 10-yard line to set up their go-ahead score.

“We left 26 points on the field we could have scored,” Herrington said. “But that loss to Tylertown made us a better team. It helped us understand how pivotal it is to play the game all the way through and not take opportunities for granted. The guys know the importance of every play now, and that what makes the biggest difference. Every play could be what wins it for you.”

After losing its first two games of the season, Tylertown has reeled off 10 consecutive victories, which included a perfect 5-0 region record.

But the Tigers aren’t shying away from the defending 3A state champions one bit.

“I would rather have nobody else but the defending champs to go through, because by doing that can’t anybody say it was luck or easy,” Herrington said. “We are definitely earning our stripes.”

Jefferson County had never before advanced past the second round of the playoffs, and Herrington said the school and community is rallying behind the team.

“There’s been a lot of excitement and support, not only from Jefferson County, but from the surrounding counties too,” Herrington said. “It’s been great for the kids and our community, and hopefully we can keep it going.”