After losses to Wilkinson County and Hazlehurst put Franklin County at 0-2 in Region 7-3A, the chances of the Bulldogs making the postseason were starting to dwindle.

However, wins over Port Gibson, Wesson and Jefferson County to end the regular season allowed Franklin County (5-6) to finish in third place in region play. Its reward? A road game against the Seminary High School Bulldogs (8-3) in an MHSAA Class 3A South State first-round playoff game. Kickoff is at 7 p.m. Friday.

Seminary finished in second place behind Tylertown in Region 8-3A with its only loss in region play at the hands of the Chiefs.

As to what impresses him the most about Seminary, Franklin County head coach Trey Woodard said, “Their defensive line is really, really talented. They’re a well-coached team. They play really hard.”

The host Bulldogs run a wing-T offense and multiple defensive sets. Woodard said his defense cannot be confused by their misdirection, adding, “we have to rally to the ball and make the tackle.”

For the visiting Bulldogs to come out with the win Friday night, Woodard said the offense cannot turn the ball over and the defense cannot give up big plays.

“Block their defensive line enough to get our guys in space. I feel like we can play with anybody when we’re not screwing up,” he said.