Lincoln County coach Larry Campbell believes his team will be facing its fastest opponent of the season when unbeaten Wilcox County arrives for Friday night's state quarterfinal.

The Patriots (12-0) are similar to the team that rallied from an early 21-point deficit to eliminate the Red Devils from last year's playoffs.

"That good offense is still that good offense," Campbell said.

Lincoln County used turnovers and special teams to score three early touchdowns last year in what turned out to be a 34-24 Wilcox County win. The Red Devils are coming off a 7-0 win over Eagle's Landing Christian Academy, which confused Lincoln County with its defense and moved the ball with its passing game.

"A whole different challenge this time, because of the speed factor," Campbell said.

The long-time Lincoln County coach added his team can't expect to advance to the state semifinals by scoring only one time this week.

"I think we'll be ready to play," Campbell said. "Some things never change in 30 years, and we'll be prepared with our defense and kicking game."

DEVILS' CONCERN: Dwayne Garrick was asked this week if he was concerned about the size of Williston-Elko's state title opponent.

"Well," the Blue Devils' coach said, chuckling, "their center is about 410 (pounds)."

The Blue Devils will be facing their biggest opponent of the season Friday in the Class A Division II state title game against Scott's Branch. Garrick said he is concerned that Scott's Branch is capable of driving down the field four or five yards at a time.

"We really have to keep our pads down on defense," he said.

Even though his team has scored more than 40 points in 10 of its 13 games, Garrick says he does not want to engage in a shootout with Scott's Branch.

"I don't wanna go into the ballgame thinking we have to go tit for tat," he said. "I want stops. ... I want to get three or four stops right away."

JAGUARS WANT SECOND CHANCE: The 41 points Thomas Jefferson Academy surrendered to Flint River in last year's GISA Class A title game were a season high by two touchdowns.

Thomas Jefferson will be looking to atone Friday night in the title game against Terrell Academy. The Jaguars are seeking their third state title in four years.

The Jaguars have been stingy on defense again this season, earning two shutouts and five times holding their opponent to one score or fewer.

Both Thomas Jefferson and Terrell won their semifinal games by at least 43 points.