The Healdton Bulldogs are in control of their destiny.
They travel to Elmore City-Pernell to take on the Badgers Friday night. A win would keep the Bulldogs on track for a second-place finish in District A-4. If Velma-Alma also wins this week, Healdton would travel to Velma next Friday for a game to determine who takes second place and gets a home game in the opening playoff round.
“It’s been a few years since we’ve had a home playoff game at Healdton, and that would be great,” Bulldog coach Reade Box said. “We need to go to Elmore City and win. They went to the playoffs last year, and we’re not accustomed to being in this position. I hope our players understand this game’s importance.”
Box knows a win at Badger Field won’t be easy.
“They’re a good team,” Box said. “They execute their offense well, and they’re aggressive on defense. If they beat us and then win their last game, they will make the playoffs. So this is a big game for them too. I’m concerned that Elmore City has experience at driving for a playoff berth. And our team hasn’t had that kind of experience.”
Healdton is 7-1, 6-1 in District A-4. Elmore City-Pernell is 5-3, 4-3.
