During the regular season, Kemper County High School played just four home games. The Wildcats’ road schedule took them to Pensacola, Fla., where they played West Florida High School, and they’ve played in-state contests at Noxubee, Southeast Lauderdale and Louisville high schools. 

Kemper County (12-1) will draw upon this season’s road experiences this Friday when it travels to Seminary High School (10-3) for its first road playoff game of the postseason.

“It could be a challenge if you let it be one, but we’ve always had the mindset that if you want to be a playoff team, you have to be able to win on the road,” Wildcats head coach Chris Jones said. “We’ve been preparing for it all year long. We’re battled tested, and I think our guys are up for the challenge. I don’t expect us to have any letdowns because we know what’s at stake.”

In Kemper County’s two postseason games, the Wildcats have outscored opponents 94-16. After defeating Crystal Springs High School 58-0 two weeks ago, the Jones-led Wildcats beat Wilkinson County High School 36-16 last Friday.

Against Wilkinson County, game-breaking wide receiver DJ Clayton turned in his fourth-consecutive game with more than 100 yards receiving, as he accumulated 132 yards and four touchdowns on eight receptions. Running back Chandler Roberts pitched in with 180 rushing yards on 16 carries, giving him two straight games with more than 100 yards rushing.

“Offensively, we just executed and made plays when we had chances,” Jones said. “D.J. had another great night — he had four touchdowns. We just had a good game overall. Offensively and defensively, I thought we played pretty well, and on special teams, I don’t think we played badly. Hopefully we can carry some of the success we had this past Friday into this week. We’re just trying to make it to Round 4.”

Kickoff is at 7 p.m. Friday at Seminary High School.