A solid start is key to another Andalusia region victory on the road tonight at Hillcrest-Evergreen.

The Bulldogs beat Monroe County 41-7 last week and despite the result, AHS head football coach Brian Seymore said he didn’t like the way the players started the game.

“We’ve gotten better as the game goes along,” he said. “I’d like to come out and assert us early in the game. The offense and defense have been playing well. On offense, we’ve got to get some scores early so we can put pressure on them.”

The Jaguars (0-2), even though young and scrappy, have played two good opponents this season already in Washington County and UMS-Wright. Washington County won in week one 14-8, and UMS-Wright beat Hillcrest-Evergreen 39-0 last week. Tonight’s contest will be the Jags’ first chance to defend its turf.

Having played two “quality” opponents is something everyone tends to underestimate about HHS, Seymore said.

“Hillcrest is very well-coached,” he said. “With coach (Larry) Boykin, they’re going to be very physical. I’ve seen them on film. They don’t mind putting the pad on the pad.”

So far this season, Andalusia (2-0, 1-0 in Class 4A, Region 1), who has relied on its trusty defense, who has allowed just 10.5 points per game.

The Bulldogs average about 28.5 points on offense per game so far this season.

Getting a lead over the Jaguars is top priority, Seymore said.

“They’ve had trouble at times scoring points,” he said. “I want to get a lead out there and let our defense go out there and play.

“That’s my main goal for the game,” he said. “Hillcrest has a tendency to always play tough. We’ve got to go out there and be focused on the task at hand.”

Seymore said he’s also concerned with special teams and taking care of the football.

“We don’t need to do too much with the offense, just taking what the defense gives you,” he said. “I think we did a lot better job last week mixing the run with the pass. Hopefuly, we can grow on that.”

Like Andalusia, Hillcrest-Evergreen will bring its run game and go downhill, Seymore said.

“They want to be physical with you,” he said. “They want to grind down on the ground and run the clock. That’s something our defense has to take pride in for three and outs, get them off the field and when we get the ball back in the hands of the offense, we’ve got to put some scores on the board.”

Seymore said a win against Hillcrest is “vital” to the Bulldogs’ playoff hopes.