West Lauderdale got over one hump last week. now the question is can they get over another?

That obstacle? Get past the third round for the first time in 20 years.

The Knights get an opportunity to get over that hump at home as they host Shannon in the third round of the MHSAA Class 4A playoffs on Friday night.

This is just the second time in school history that West Lauderdale is hosting a third round playoff game. The last time was 2004 against Hazlehurst, the year the Knights reached the 3A state title game. It’s also the last year the Knights got past the third round.

“Last week we executed the game plan to an absolute ‘T’ and we got to do that again this week,” said West Lauderdale coach Brock Clay. “We got to shorten the game and do what we do and that’s run the ball and defensively we’re going to be sound and tackle well.”

West Lauderdale (9-3) offensively is averaging 35 points per game and will once again lean on very potent rushing attack that is averaging 269.7 yards per game anchored by quarterback Kayden Peoples (823 yards passing, 6 touchdowns; 1,175 yards rushing, 26 touchdowns) and running back Travion Mosley (1,715 yards rushing, 17 touchdowns). Ashton Ratcliff and Chase Gathings are the top targets at receiver for the Knights.

“We got to do what we got to do to be successful,” Clay said. “We need the home crowd advantage again. The message this week is playing the one game at hand and not think about it being a third round game.”

Linebacker Jack Davidson leads the West Lauderdale defense that gives up 22.3 points per game.

Shannon (8-2) is coming into this matchup red hot. The Raiders are very explosive on offense averaging 33.5 points, 160.8 yards passing, and 188 yards rushing led quarterback Trey Spurgon (1,517 yards passing, 15 touchdowns; 304 yards rushing, 1 touchdown), receiver Dagarrious Clifton (573 yards receiving, 8 touchdowns), and running back Kegan Ruff (824 yards rushing, 12 touchdowns). The Red Raider defense only gives up 14.6 points per game and averages five turnovers in each of the last five games.

“They’re really big on the offensive line and they got skill guys that are dangerous with the ball. They are a big play team, so they’re going to do what they do,” Clay said. “They’re defense is active and get turnovers and capitalize on those turnovers and they have a lot of team speed.”