The second-ranked Andalusia Bulldogs and the Opp Bobcats prepare for tonight’s cross-county battle at Andalusia High School.

“This is Andalusia versus Opp, what more do you need,” Andalusia head coach Trent Taylor said. “It’s doesn’t matter what has happened before or what happens after. Opp will have a different step about them this week, and hopefully we will also. It’s all part of the excitement that goes along with Andalusia/Opp week.”

Taylor said that he knows they will get the Bobcats’ top effort.

“It hasn’t been the start of the season that they would have like, but you have to look at who those two loses are too,” Taylor said. “They lost to T.R. Miller who has only lost to Mobile Christian and they won the state championship last year. The other loss is to Wicksburg who is 4-0. With only one region loss, Opp is a good shape and they will be looking to this game a springboard going into the second half of the season. I expect them to give us everything they have and then some.”

The key for the Bulldogs will be controlling their emotions and Opp’s talented playmakers, Taylor said.

“It’s going to come down to how we adjust to the atmosphere of a rivalry game,” Taylor said. “As long as I can remember, this has been a hard-fought game. Opp is a very talented team. They’ve been dealing with some injuries, but they are starting to get some of those guys back. Opp has two guys that have Division 1 offers and that puts them at two more than us at this point.”

Taylor said that the Bulldogs have gone through another good week of practice.

“It’s been really good,” Taylor said. “We’ve been battling the heat just like everyone else, but the kids are coming out here ready to go to work each day.”

Andalusia currently leads the series 48-36-4 including a 37-14 win last season.

The Bulldogs come into the game riding a four-game win streak after falling to Class 6A Shades Valley in the opening week of the season.

Andalusia comes in with 195 points scored and 91 points allowed.