Published: November 04, 2009 11:57 pm      

Southeast opens postseason at Collins

Southeast Lauderdale is set to kick off the opening round of the Class 3A playoffs Friday night when they hit the road to face Collins.

Southeast (5-6) enters as the third seed from Region 5-3A, while host Collins (6-5) are the No. 2 seed out of Region 8-3A.

Although the two teams do not know much about one another they both played Northeast Lauderdale. Both teams also lost to the Trojans.

"The fact that we both have played Northeast and both lost lets us know we have a fighting chance," said Southeast coach Boo Smith. "You always wanna go into a playoff game feeling like you have a fighting chance."

According to Smith, Sooutheast will put eight players in the box to try to limit the ground game of Collins. Southeast typically only uses seven players in the box, however, they switched to eight against Clarkdale last week and were very successful.

"They run a double wing set mixing power running and speed," noted Smith. "Our linebacker play will be an important determining factor in the outcome of this game."

Offensively, Southeast is led by Ladarious Clark, who contributes in every aspect of the team's play. Last week Clark ran for 147 yards, threw for another 50, had an interception and fumble recovery, as well as a 95-yard kickoff return in the team's win against Clarkdale.

"Our playmakers have been there all year," added Smith. "Our offensive line has to step up and give them the chance to break open plays."



Seminary at Kemper County

Kemper County will get things going in the Class 3A playoffs as it hosts Seminary Friday night.

The Wildcats (7-4) come in as the No. 2 seed from region 5-3A, while Seminary (6-5) is the third seed from Region 8-3A.

Kemper enters the playoffs having won four out of its past five games.

The Wildcats are led by their standout quarterback Lacoltan Bester. Bester has thrown for 1,673 yards and 22 touchdowns and also has 794 yards rushing with another 10 scores on the ground.

Kickoff is set for 7 p.m.