DU QUOIN -- With a win tonight, the Du Quoin Indians (5-2) football team will officially earn its spot in the 2017 postseason. It just has to beat the 3-4 Nashville Hornets at Van Metre Field.
"It's a lot to play for - for us and Nashville," said Du Quoin head coach AJ Hill. "It's a pretty big game. I think the guys will be pumped up."
Last Friday, the Indians suffered their second loss of the season to the undefeated SIRR Mississippi champion, Anna-Jonesboro Wildcats.
"Despite the loss, we feel like the team played really well against tough opponents," Hill said. "Nashville will be tough, too. They are not a one-dimensional team. They have an offense similar to ours - a lot of weapons to be aware of."
Special teams was an issue for the Indians during the game at Anna, but Hill said that they made some adjustments and sent some players back to positions they are more familiar with.
"The changes we made at Anna weren't ideal, but it's something we needed to do last week," Hill said. "But now that guys are moving back into their positions, we feel comfortable that everyone will be on top of their game (tonight)."
Hill said his team has bounced back from last week's game. The team is now only focused on Friday's game, and eventually the playoffs.
Hill said the ballclub is fairly close to 100 percent healthy as the regular season winds down. Getting senior quarterback Hank Stewart back last week was a big lift.
"We have been very fortunate this year to not have many huge injuries that would prevent guys from playing," Hill said. "Just Hank's ankle and he says that's feeling a lot better."
Kickoff for tonight's game will be at 7 in Du Quoin.
