Xavion Ezekiell (4) fights against multiple defenders to put up yards for the Tigers as Southeast Lauderdale hosted Sebastopol on Sept. 19.

For Clarkdale it’s about keeping the momentum, while for Southeast Lauderdale it’s about continuing to get better.

The Bulldogs make the short trip to face the rival Tigers at Algie Davis Field in a non-division contest on Friday night.

Clarkdale is coming off an emotional 28-27 overtime win over Enterprise-Clarke, while Southeast Lauderdale fell at home to Sebastopol 43-14.

“We played better last but lack efficiency. We will play three plays great and then give up a big play, so we’re preaching being more consistent,” said Clarkdale coach Will Vollor. “Southeast plays hard and don’t lay down. We just need to play hard and do our job.”

The Bulldogs (1-3) offensively will lean on quarterback Jake Lee along with running back Leland Harris and fullback Isiah Brown. Cade Culpepper will be the top target on the outside at receiver.

“We’ve got to continue to spread the ball around on offense and not have the defense keying in on one or two guys. We need to get the ball to at least four different guys, so that can open things up and keep the defense honest,” Vollor said. “Isiah is our best offensive player, so we need to get the ball to other guys enough to have Isiah a chance to get the ball more. Defensively we got to get lined up right or else Southeast is going have big play after big play. We must do our job and get lined up right.”

The Tigers (1-3) will lean on quarterback Jaden Harbin, running back Tamorris Ruffin, and receiver Mario Leflore to lead the offense. Leflore had three catches for 131 yards and two touchdowns last week.

“Clarkdale is a solid team, and their record doesn’t indicate that they are a good team. For us it’s about us getting better every day and not worry about anybody else,” said Southeast Lauderdale coach Linc Luker. “Our goal is to go 1-0 each week, continue to get better and play hard for 48 minutes. We’ve got to be physical and in order for us to win this game we’ve got to be the hammer and not the nail. The last couple week’s we’ve been the nail and not the hammer on both sides of the ball.”

Other Games

Thursday

Callaway (0-4) at Meridian (2-2)

Friday

Northeast Lauderdale (2-2) at Kemper County (4-0)

West Lauderdale (1-3) at Philadelphia (0-4)

Heritage Academy (5-1) at Lamar School (2-3).