Losing to A.L. Johnson last Friday didn&8217;t help the Marengo High School Panthers&8217; cause in terms of gaining momentum for the post season.

They were defeated 32-6 at the hands of the Eagles. The young Marengo team, who moved from the fourth seed in the region to the third seed in spite of the loss, must regroup to get ready to go against the No. 8 ranked South Lamar Stallions.

Marengo closes the regular season at 6-4. They return to post season play for the second straight year. They bowed to Florala last year in the first round, 38-3.

South Lamar, who will come into Friday&8217;s contest with a 7-2 record and an opportunity to avenge last week&8217;s loss to 3A Gordo. &8220;We have to get our focus back after last weeks loss,&8221; said Stallion head coach Brad Carroll. &8220;We need to get that momentum back.&8221;

South Lamar was able to put up 37 points last week, but yielded 44. The Stallions will make their third consecutive playoff appearance. They reached the quarterfinals in 2004.

Jones, who is in his first year at Marengo, says, &8220;South Lamar plays a spread offense. We have got to contain them and at the same time get our offense going. And we must keep them from throwing in the flats.&8221;

Game time is slated for 7 p.m. Friday in Millport.