DAPHNE—The Trojans will travel to Theodore Friday to start the 2009 6A playoffs. The No. 10-ranked Bobcats are 9-1 and have been a frequent post-season opponent for Daphne the last few years.

"Theodore is a top-10 team in 6A," said DHS head coach Glenn Vickery. "They are 9-1 for a reason. They are great on defense and run the ball well. They are sound in the kicking game. We have to move the chains on offense, stay out of long-yardage situations, (have) no turnovers and get the ball in the end zone. Their only loss is to Davidson. They are well coached by Bill Meridith and his staff who always do a great job. Historically, they are always in the post season and always a strong team."

Although their record at 4-6, does not look impressive, DHS has played some of the top teams in the state of Alabama and wrapped up the regular season with a 42-14 loss to the No. 1 team in Florida at Niceville last Friday.

"We have seen some good teams," Vickery said. "Now we have to go beat a good team. Our kids will not be intimidated after the regular season we have played. Theodore is one of the quickest defenses we have seen and we have seen some good ones. Clint Mosley is one of the top recruits in the nation at linebacker. "

Vickery said making it into the playoffs is a victory in itself and past records don't mean a lot once the first round kicks off Friday.

"Our kids understand it is a new season. You prepare well, practice hard and execute on Friday (and) you have a chance to play another week."

Last week against Niceville, DHS defensive back Cameron Peterson had 14 tackles and defensive end Ryan Anderson had eight.

Fairhope to host Murphy

FAIRHOPE – The Fairhope Pirates, who just capped a 10-0 regular season with a 36-0 win over Mary G. Montgomery, are set to host the Murphy Panthers in the first round of the 6A playoffs.

Fairhope, ranked fourth in 6A, will have to contend with a potent Murphy (8-2) offense led by University of Florida wide receiver commitment Solomon Patton. Patton caught seven passes for 130 yards and a score in a win over McGill-Toolen on Friday. The Panthers finished fourth in 6A Region 1 while the Pirates won 6A Region 2.

Fairhope hasn’t played a close game all season. Lately the Pirates have been winning without standout running back Jamal Woodyard. Quarterback Daryl Norris has been sharp, passing for 162 yards and a score against MGM on Friday, and Harvey Mitchell and Clifton Johnson are a good one-two combo in the backfield.

Foley plays Davidson in Mobile

MOBILE – The Foley Lions, who finished fourth in 6A Region 2, will play Region 1 top seed Davidson at the Lipscomb Complex on Thursday.

The two teams met in a preseason game. Davidson won the first half, while Foley defeated the Warriors in the second half.

Foley (5-5) is coming off a 51-20 blowout win over Alma Bryant. Senior running back Marcus Washington had four rushing touchdowns and a passing touchdown to lead the Lions in the win.

Gulf Shores, Spanish Fort travel

In the Class 5A playoffs the Gulf Shores Dolphins and the Spanish Fort Toros will travel in the first round on Friday.

The Dolphins, who posted a school best 8-2 record under the direction of new head coach Mark Freeman, will play at Tallassee. Spanish Fort (8-2), ranked seventh in 5A, will play at Eufala.

Bayside plays at Daleville

DALEVILLE – The Bayside Academy Admirals (6-4) will travel to Daleville for a 3A first round playoff game on Friday.

Bayside lost to 5A Gulf Shores 17-0 in the regular season finale.

Bayside has been led by rushers Ryan Owens, Thomas Buchanon and Chris Ives and quarterback Camp Campbell.

GCN Sports Coordinator Eric Mann’s picks

Fairhope 24

Murphy 20

Davidson 27

Foley 21

Theodore 31

Daphne 24

Gulf Shores 27

Tallassee 14

Spanish Fort 26

Eufala 24

Daleville 21

Bayside 20