Kickoff at Tiger Field is slated for 7:30 p.m.
Savanna defeated Konawa 28-6 last week, and Central head coach Wade Couch knows his secondary will be tested against the Bulldogs.
"We could be in for a long night because they throw the ball 40 times a game," said Couch. "They (Savanna) remind me of Foyil last year. They're not real big up front, like Savanna usually is, but they have a weapon at quarterback, a weapon at wide receiver and a slippery running back. Their offensive line is kind of surprising because they're more of a finesse team, but we'll have our work cut out for us."
Some of Savanna's key offensive players are quarterback Taylor McBane (6-foot-2, 180-pound senior), wide receiver Tyler Inman (6-3, 155, senior), running backs Kyle Hull and Zach Doyle (5-4, 130, freshman), wide receiver Reedis James (5-8, 145, junior) and linemen Tommy Martin, Lee Caldwell (6-2, 190, senior) and Shaq Kinchion (5-9, 175, junior). McBane is a three-year starter at quarterback for the Bulldogs.
"They're a shotgun, spread team on offense and they'll stay in a double-formation look," Couch said. "Their quarterback concerns me because he is really a talented kid. We can't give up the big play, and we can't let them get in a rhythm with their no-huddle offense. We have to make them grind it out."
Two of the Bulldogs' key players on defense are Kinchion, a defensive tackle, and Caldwell, a middle linebacker.
"They'll run a 3-5-3 defense and blitz somebody every play," remarked Couch. "We have to know where Shaq Kinchion and Lee Caldwell are on every play. They could provide us some problems, but if we're patient and disciplined and keep our eyes up we'll be OK."
Other key defensive players for Savanna are defensive tackles Matt Isom (6-4, 290, senior) and Trey Wilson (6-0, 230, sophomore), linebackers Kolby Hackler (5-9, 155, senior) and Matt Turner and cornerback Kody Brown.
The Tigers' string of 12 consecutive playoff appearances ended last year, and Couch knows a victory Friday night would be a step in the right direction as far as the postseason is concerned.
"It's here, and that will help us some," Couch said. "We have to play well."
