The Wilkinson County High School Wildcats may have the home-field advantage Friday night in the first round of the MHSAA Class 3A South State Playoffs, but their opponent is no pushover.

Wilkinson County (7-4) plays host to West Marion High School (8-3).

Head coach Kenneth Brown said his defense will have its hands full trying to contain the Trojans’ offense.

“My biggest concern is that their quarterback is pretty athletic,” Brown said. “Hopefully, we can utilize our quickness.”

In addition to the defense having to step up its game, Brown noted that the special teams will have to play better than it did last week in the regular-season finale at Wesson. He said the Cobras ran back two kicks for touchdowns.

Offensively, Brown said the Wildcats will continue to do what they’ve been doing recently – run the ball as much as possible and throw the ball when needed.

“It’s going to take a strong team effort. We’ve got to find a way to stop (West Marion). And not turn the ball over,” he said.

Brown said hosting a first-round playoff game could be an advantage for his team.

“We’ve had some good crowds here throughout the season. We’ve got family, we’ve got friends and we’ve got alumni coming out to watch them,” Brown said. “The (players) are excited. It’s playoff time. We have to keep them motivated and keep them focused.