Last Friday night Mayo Thompson stadium hosted the Battle of Rogers Avenue. In the 31st meeting, the Grizzles kept possession of the cross town trophy.

Heading into halftime the score was tied 7-7. In the third, Northside player Duece Wise scored a touchdown pushing the score to 7-17.

Southside players continued to gain momentum by blocking Wise’s kick in the fourth quarter, but fell short leaving the final score of the game as 13-23.

Tonight the team will face Springdale in the first round of playoffs for state. If the team advances to the next round, they will face North Little Rock on Nov. 16.

With a 5-3 record in the 7A-Central, the team focuses on key things that will help them be successful in tonight’s game.

“[For tonight] we have to run the football and control the line scrimmage. [Springdale] is going to score points, they have a good offense. We’re going to have to match them and take the ball, keep it and physically wear the other team down,”offensive line coach Tad Stewart said.

Senior quarterback Taye Gatewood continues to put up record pace numbers with 47 passing touchdowns and 282 pass completions.

“I think we have done pretty well. I’m proud of how we played over this season. For us this year we want to be the best we can be on the field,” Gatewood said.

Post-season play marks the beginning of the race to state.

“I feel very happy and excited that we are in the playoffs, it’s exciting. We are focusing on running everything perfectly and minimizing our mistakes,” senior Sean Ottman said.