FAYETTE — The second round of the state playoffs always has an important feel to it.

But for the Jefferson County Tigers, a location change has put an even more electric energy into the air.

The Tigers will be hosting Morton in the second round of the MHSAA Class 3A playoffs, but instead of the game taking place at the high school, it will be played at Jack Spinks Stadium on the Alcorn State campus in Lorman.

Jefferson County head coach James Herrington said the school felt that having the game at Alcorn would draw a much bigger crowd than they could get at their stadium on campus.

“We just feel it would pull a larger crowd and maybe pick up some people from Claiborne County,” Herrington said. “There is no mistaking the revenue generated will help our program.”

In addition to the larger gate, Herrington said playing the game in Jack Spinks Stadium will charge the players up.

“Playing in a college stadium will intensify that playoff atmosphere,” Herrington said. “We feel like that (stadium) is home for us too.”

Jefferson County advanced to the second round by upsetting the Region 8 top seed Seminary 28-23.

It was the second consecutive close victory by the Tigers, which followed several close defeats this year.

“The major thing I can contribute to winning those close games was the fact that we lost some close games,” Herrington said. “We learned from those games. We learned not to duplicate those mistakes we made in losing. That translated into wins in the last two games.”

Morton comes into the game with a 9-3 record and a 22-12 win over Choctaw Central in the first round of the playoffs last week.

The Panthers have a strong defense, anchored by Dandy Dozen selection Quay Evans at defensive line.

“He is all man,” Herrington said of the over 300-pound Evans. It will definitely be a challenge for our offensive line. We don’t have a Dandy Dozen on our side, but if we’re able to neutralize them, that says something for us.”