The No. 6 Opp Bobcats (5-2, 3-1) can wrap up a playoff spot with a homecoming victory over Class 3A, Region 1 foe Bayside Academy Admirals (5-2, 3-1) on Friday night at Channell-Lee Stadium.

This will be the fourth time the two teams have faced off, with Bayside holding the series lead 2-1. Bayside won the first two meetings, but it was the Bobcats who emerged in a 25-14 contest last season.

“They are extremely well coached and disciplined,” Bobcats’ head coach Brent Hill said. “They are very sound in what they do, and there is no question that we will have to beat them, they won’t beat themselves.”

Both teams enter the game following coming off region wins, as Opp topped Excel 52-6, and Bayside defeated Hillcrest-Evergreen 42-42.

This season’s meeting has plenty a stack for both teams, as they both enter with identical 3-1 region records and tied for the No. 2 seed for Region 1.

A win for Opp this week would not only lock up a playoff spot, but also put them in sole possession of the No. 2 seed. Opp would also clinch a playoff spot if Hillcrest-Evergreen defeats Cottage Hill.

On offense, the Bobcats have been led by sensational junior quarterback Orlando Lacey.  Hill said that the Admirals would come out in defense in either a 3-3 or 3-4.

Lacey has racked up more than 1,500 total yards this season, to help give the Bobcats to top scoring offense in Region 1. Lacey has put up 835 yards passing with seven touchdowns, and has rushed for 675 yards with an additional six touchdowns.

It hasn’t just been Lacey that has sparked the Bobcats’ offense, junior running back Hennis Washington has carried the ball 67 times this season for 434 yards and seven touchdowns.

Raheem Bonam has rushed for 386 yards and four touchdowns on 63 carries this season, and Reggie Thompson has caught 20 passes for 296 yards and four scores.

Alex Wise has hauled in one touchdown and 192 yards on nine catches this season.

Coming into the game, the Bobcats have scored 245 points and have only given up 160 points.

Bayside has scored 175 points, and has given up the fewest points to region opponents this season.

On defense, the Bobcats are led by senior Devontea Williams and junior Tramekquez Lane.

“When we are on defense we have to be prepared for the Wing-T,” Hill said. “They can run several things out of, and they are like us where they have multiple options depending on what they see from the defense. They are very good at what they do. You can tell that they make adjustments to their blocking scheme as the game goes along.”

Williams has already amassed a staggering 80 tackles and three sacks. Williams also has strong numbers, with 64 tackles and three sacks.

Brandon Williams and Thompson have led the way in the secondary with two picks each. Bonam also has an interception that he returned for a touchdown.

“We need to have another week like last week where we were clicking in all three phases of the game,” Hill said. “If we can just focus on Opp, we will be ok.”

Even will the added distractions that homecoming week brings, Hill said that the Bobcats have come out focused and ready for practice each day.

“We have good attitude and focus this week at practice,” Hill said. “They have all been doing their job, and that’s one thing you worry about as a coach during homecoming week and it being our biggest game of the year, but they are staying focused.”

Homecoming festivities will begin at 6:30 p.m., with kickoff between the Bobcats and the Admirals following at 7 p.m.