Finish on a good note - that is the goal for the Florala Wildcats as the coaches and players prepare for the final game of the 2002 high school football season.

The Wildcats travel to Samson on Friday for the regular season finale against the Samson Tigers. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m.

The Wildcats enter the game with a 1-8 record overall and a 1-6 region record. The Wildcats failed to make the playoffs in 2002, but did snap a losing streak with a

win against Zion Chapel on Thursday, Oct. 10.

The Samson Tigers also failed to make the playoffs this season. The Tigers are 4-5 overall this season and went 2-4 in region play.

The game will be a tough test for the Class 1A Wildcats.

The Wildcats will be playing against a Class 2A team in Samson.

Playing a larger school should make it more difficult for the Wildcats to win.

Florala Head Coach Doug Vickery, however, said playing a larger school will be a good challenge for the Wildcats as the players continue to work hard.

He said a good showing against the Tigers is what the Wildcats need going into the offseason.

"I think that is real important to have something as far as motivation for the kids to take into the offseason and work hard for next year," Vickery said.

A win would be great for the Wildcats going into the offseason, but Vickery said it will not be easy for the Wildcats to defeat Samson.

"They're pretty good," Vickery said. "Their defense seems to be their strength. The fly to the ball.

"On offense, they have a good running back," he added. "They are young at a few positions, but they are good."

The key to the game for the Wildcats on offense will be starting with a bang.

"I think we need to score early and put some pressure on Samson's offense," Vickery said. "We're going to try and catch them off-guard."

On defense, the Wildcats must

slow down the Samson running game and contain the tight end.

"We're going to have our work cut out for us on Friday night," Vickery said.