After six years of absence from post-season play, the Sunshine Tigers are gearing up to make their longest playoff run ever. This is the first time they have gone beyond the second round in school history.

The Tigers surprised McIntosh last week with a 34-14 shellacking. Friday they chart on new territory.

The Tigers (7-3) will play host in the second round to the Wadley Bulldogs, who bring in a 9-2 record and finished second in their region behind undefeated Maplesville. They are also ranked No. 6. In addition, they victimized Pleasant Home 32-13 in the first round last week.

Wadley is no stranger to post-season play. This is their eighth consecutive post season. They have averaged 41 points a game in the four games of last season&8217;s appearances, during which they reached the semi-finals only to lose to Addison. The Bulldogs have reached the semi&8217;s three straight years.

The Bulldogs have won their last six games.

The Tigers have a balanced offensive attack going for them. They have an experienced backfield with the likes of seniors Calvin Bryant and Robert Lyons. Junior quarterback Marcus Lee likes to put the ball in the air. One of his favorite targets is junior Justin Wagner.

Sunshine, who plays in one of the toughest regions in 1A, is a difficult team to beat when they are ahead. With their running &8212; including the break-away speed of Bryant &8212; and throwing they can add points to the scoreboard often.

Kickoff for Friday&8217;s second round match-up is set for 7 p.m. in Newbern.