The Miles Brown era will officially begin Friday as the McKenzie Tigers travel to take on the J.U. Blacksher Bulldogs at 7 p.m.

The Tigers, who were once state champions and contended for the title almost every year, have slipped in recent years and suffered a winless season last year.

Brown has returned to his alma mater in McKenzie and is ready to turn things around.

&#8220We want to play true assignment football,” Brown said of this week's game.

Brown said J.U. Blacksher has many talented athletes and the Tigers must be both efficient and effective.

&#8220They have got some very athletic kids,” Brown said. &#8220The quarterback is dangerous, the fullback dangerous and the inside receiver is dangerous.”

On offense, Brown said the Tigers must play mistake-free football in order to win the game.

&#8220We have to be physical and not fumble,” Brown said. &#8220We can't put the ball on the ground when we have opportunities.”

Along with being physical, Brown said the Tigers' offensive line must protect quarterback Sattrick Rudolph and fly to the ball.

On the defensive side of the ball, Brown said his team must work to contain the Bulldogs' quarterback.

&#8220We can't try and arm tackle and expect to win,” Brown said.

Rudolph, who will start this season after Jake Page moved over to Crenshaw Christian, has improved everyday according to Brown and running backs Ball and Mobley are as physical as they come.

Brown said the pair of running backs have pushed each other everyday in practice and the coach is hoping such competition will start paying off this weekend.

&#8220A win would be monumental for our football program and McKenzie,” Brown said.