The Straughn Tigers (5-0, 3-0 in Class 3A, Region 1) will host the Central-Hayneville Lions (0-5, 0-3) for their homecoming game Friday night.

The Tigers are coming off a three-game region winning streak and a win against Opp last week 35-20.

Head coach Trent Taylor said the festivities during homecoming could be distracting to the players.

“It’s homecoming and that’s always concerning,” Taylor said. “We want to make sure we’re focused on the right things. At practice we worked a lot on Straughn this week in areas in the kicking game and things of that nature.”

Taylor said Central has a talented football team despite their winless record this season.

“They are very athletic even though they are winless,” he said. “They’ve got some players over there that can run a double wing and the next play be in a shot gun formation. We’re just making sure we are able to play both of those schemes.”

On the second half of the season, Taylor said that it is a “critical” time to get in the playoffs.

“You’ve got two of the non-region games out of the way and then the next four weeks will be region contests,” Taylor said. “It’s a critical time in getting yourself seeded for the playoffs.”

Taylor added the mentality of the team has been the same since day one of the season.

“It’s been pretty much like it has since day one,” he said. “They are not really a fiery rah-rah-rah bunch. It’s been more of a business approach, which is what I’d rather it be like.”

Kickoff in Straughn is at 7 p.m.