It’s the game everyone’s been waiting for since last season. It may not have region standing, but it’s for all the bragging rights. The No. 1-ranked, Class 4A Andalusia Bulldogs (8-1) and Class 3A’s Straughn Tigers (4-4) are geared up and ready for tonight’s cross-county rivalry gridiron match in Andalusia.

4 things to know about tonight’s game

“We are excited to get back out on the field,” Andalusia head coach Trent Taylor said. “Don’t get me wrong, last week’s bye couldn’t have come at a better time, but at this point in the year on Friday night you want to be on the field.”

This season, the Andalusia Bulldogs have been nearly unstoppable on both sides of the football.

Through the first nine games of the season, the Bulldogs have outscored their opponents 319-81.

The Bulldog defense has had the tendency to get really stingy after halftime.

Andalusia has only allowed four second-half touchdowns to opposing teams this season.

The Bulldog defense has been led heavily by the outstanding play of the defensive front.

Bulldog defenders have sacked opposing quarterbacks more than 30 times this season.

William Lindsey has led the assault on opposing quarterbacks with six sacks.

Antonio Gurley and Will Clark have each added four sacks. When the quarterback is able to throw the ball, senior cornerback Allan George has provided solid coverage. George is tied for Class 4A lead with six interceptions on the year.

On offense, running back Zack Woods, quarterback Ethan Wilson and receivers Derrick McQueen and B.J. Anderson have been the Bulldogs focal points.

“Straughn is a very good football team,” Taylor said. “Things might not have gone the way they wanted the past few weeks, but this is one of those games where you can throw the records out the window. We know they are going to come over here ready to play, and we have to be ready for them.”

Straughn has been led the season by quarterback Brock Hammett and multi-talented Matt Worley, who sees time all over the field.

Hammett missed a few games with an injury, but has come back strong.

Worley is bone-crunching hitter with enough speed to be dangerous with the ball in his hands.

“They are good team,” Straughn head coach Chris Wilson said. “They are the No. 1-ranked team for a reason. We are going to have to come out and try to do some things to get them uncomfortable.”

Off the field, Andalusia moms and other female fans spent last Thursday night making spirit signs and noise makers.

“We came up with the ideas to have a sign and noisemakers for our Andalusia Bulldogs,” organizer Brandy Hudson said.

The Straughn crowd plans to “black out” the stadium Friday night.

“Please, please have your noisemakers,” said Candace Ward Hudson. “If you are a true Straughn fan, please fill the stands and don’t leave until it is over.”