The Charles Henderson Trojans head to Eufaula today with playoff implications on the line.

The Trojans (4-2) have won four consecutive games and tonight’s contest with the Tigers could determine which team will host a first round playoff game.

“I think we have been focused on the task at hand,” said Trojans head coach Brad McCoy. “Everybody understands what is riding on this game with the playoff implications. The kids are excited about the expectations. This is not an ordinary game to say the least.”

The teams have identical records, both overall and within the region.

“It is the biggest game to date,” McCoy said. “Everybody wants to not have to travel in the playoffs. When you’re a two-seed playing a three-seed sometimes that makes a big difference in who your opponent is.”

The Trojans and Tigers have gone head-to-head on the football field 72 times, and Eufaula has won 45 times, including a 48-27 win last year.

“The teams are usually so evenly matched,” McCoy said. “Eufaula is packed full of athletes in every sport they play. We believe we are the same way. Our kids get coached at a high level. With that comes a lot of competition. Our schools date back many years playing these games. Normally it’s a close ball game.”

The Tigers enter the game with losses Class 6A Wetumpka and undefeated Carroll. The Tigers have allowed an average of 20 points per game, but in their four wins they have only allowed 12 points per game.

“They have a talented defense especially on the line of scrimmage,” McCoy said. “It’s going to be a big challenge for our guys.”

The Tigers will come at Charles Henderson with a good mix of size and speed on defense.

“Their three to five defensive players that they rotate are the biggest that we have seen,” McCoy said. “They are the most physical and athletic. I think three of those guys are Division 1 players. They are big and they can run. They have speed and size.”

The Trojans will look to DQ Toney as their starter.

“DQ is going to be our starter,” McCoy said. “He is going to play this football game as long as needed. We’ll see how it progresses. We are going to have to make a lot of plays on offense.”

The Trojan defense has surrendered 61 points during their four-game winning streak.

“I think our guys are highly motivated and they are certainly welcoming this challenge,” McCoy said. “Last week game was a game where everything that happened should have happened. That is not taking anything away from Trinity, I just think this week is a different mindset because of what Eufaula presents at every phase of the game.”

The Trojans and Tigers will kick off at 7 p.m. at Tigers Stadium in Eufaula.

“It’s going to be a fun ball game,” McCoy said. “These games are the reason why you work so hard and practice for so long. These are they types of games you enjoy and look forward to.”