The Straugh Tigers have their work cut out for them in the opening round of the Class 3A state football playoffs as they travel to Mobile to take on Mobile Christian tonight.

“We know going in that anytime you play a No. 1 seed, you are probably going to be the underdog,” Straughn head coach Chris Wilson said. “We have been the underdog in several games this year, but our guys are going to compete no matter what.”

Straughn got the season off to a strong start, but struggled in final weeks of the year.

To start the season, the Tigers picked up wins in three-of-four games to start 3-1.

The Tigers only loss during that stretch was a 55-23 defeat to the No. 4-ranked Opp Bobcats.

The second half of the season didn’t go as well for the Tigers.

Straughn ended the year losing four-of-five games.

“The last few weeks we have been playing some strong competition,” Wilson said. “Playing a tough schedule is something that we are hoping will help us during the playoffs.”

Straughn has been led by senior athletes Matt Worley and Jacob Hawkins.

Worley has spent most of his time on the defensive side of the ball, but has stepped in on several occasions to play quarterback when starter Brock Hammett has missed time with injury.

Hawkins has made impacts on both sides of the ball and also special teams.

As for Mobile Christian, they haven’t lost a game on the field this season.

Mobile Christian’s lone defeat came on a forfeit in week one of the season, when they self reported an ineligible player.

Since the forfeit, Mobile Christian has won nine-straight games and have out scored their opponents 351-101.