Halloween is scary for many reasons. This year, it is even scarier because the annual Andalusia-Opp football game is slated for a 7:30 p.m. kickoff at Channell-Lee Stadium in Opp.

The game is a heated rivalry and that alone makes it scary for both teams.

Andalusia Head Coach Tom Causey is in his first season with the Bulldogs, but he has been well educated about the rivalry in the days leading up to the game.

"We have a battle Friday night," Causey said on Wednesday.

He said the Bulldogs (2-7 on the season) are excited about the game and he has not had a tough time motivating them.

The Opp Bobcats have a better record at 7-2 and have earned a trip to the postseason. The Bobcats will host a first-round playoff game at 7 p.m. next Friday night.

The difference in the records, however, may be attributed to the way the ball has bounced as much as the talent level of the two squads.

"Both teams are going to be fired up," Causey said. "It depends on which way the ball bounces when it comes loose Friday night.

"It's going to come loose," he added. "I'm expecting a hard-hitting football game."

He said the Bulldogs' defense must play hard.

"We've got to get hats on them(Opp's ball carriers) early in the play to slow them down and get some guys there," Causey said.

Causey has seen Opp's defense on film and knows they will play hard, too.

"They have 11 guys on defense who hunt the ball," Causey said. "They don't hug you, they hit you."

Opp Head Coach Jeff Rhodes said the Bulldogs have yet to play a complete game and he knows with the rivalry between Andalusia and Opp this could be the week everything comes together for them.

"Andalusia is pretty good offensively and defensively. They have played everybody good for a half and then can't hold on," Rhodes said. "They play hard and have a good scheme. Turnovers have hurt them.

"They are good, but they have yet to put together a complete ball game," he added.