The Andalusia Bulldogs (7-4) look to keep their championship dreams alive as they prepare to host the Headland Rams (10-1) tonight in the second round of the Class 4A state playoffs.

“There was tremendous individual efforts, but overall it was just a tremendous team effort,” Andalusia head coach Trent Taylor said of the Bulldogs round one win over Montevallo. “You look at some of the things we were able to do on defense because we knew some keys to slowing them down. It was total team type deal.”

Taylor said the offense continues to get better.

“Offensively, we are getting better each week,” Taylor said. “I said it after the game and I still say it that I was disappointed that we turned the ball over four times. It’s very rare that you have that many turnovers, but you still have a chance to win the game. I was certainly proud to see that we didn’t let it effect us. Our defense made some big stops after some turnovers. Which meant it didn’t hurt us, but it did limit the opportunities we got on offense.”

Headland is going to be another tough matchup for the Bulldogs, Taylor said.

“Headland is a team that scores a lot of points,” Taylor said. “I don’t know what their points per game total is, but it’s got to be right around what Montevallo’s was. They probably haven’t given up as many points as Montevallo. Of course, they’ve played a different schedule and that kind of thing. Offensively, 44 formations are what we ended up with after we got through breaking them down. You may see them in two-tight wishbone to empty and anything you can think of in-between. They are really big up front on both sides and the quarterback is really the guy that probably makes them go. He does a really good job running and throwing.”

Headlands only loss this season came to Class 2A Abbeville

Taylor said the Bulldogs have to be disciplined on defense.

“We have to make sure that we are real disciplined on the defensive side of the ball,” Taylor said. “They run a lot of misdirection type things. They don’t run a lot of different plays, but they run them out of a lot of different looks, so they look a little different. The biggest thing is making sure we get lined up correctly.”

Taylor said he has been proud of what this team has accomplished this year.

“It’s been different this year than in the past,” Taylor said. “A few weeks ago, these guys weren’t even sure that they were in playoffs and I’m sure a lot of people wrote this team off. They haven’t let that get to them and they have used it as motivation. They are excited to have this opportunity and I’m so proud of what that have accomplished so far.”

Andalusia and Headland are scheduled to begin at 7 p.m., tonight in Andalusia.