Now that the Garrison Bulldogs are in the football playoffs for the first time since 2005, their head coach wants them to stay awhile.
Third-year head football coach Craten Phillips likes his team's chances when it opens the postseason against Leon Jewett Friday.
The game is set for 7:30 p.m. at Athens High School in Athens.
The second-place team in District 20-AA, Garrison is one of the hottest Class 2A squads around. The Bulldogs (8-2) have won their last four games, the last three by double digits.
Garrison's two losses are to Arp, a team expected to make a long playoff run in Class 2A, and Alto, a dominant Class A team.
Phillips is pleased with the progression of his football team, which encountered losing campaigns his first two seasons as he laid the foundation for a new program.
"Anytime you take over a new job, you'd like to have a program in place and see success happen in three years," Phillips said. "The kids believe in what we're doing here."
Garrison's success this season has been largely because the team has been bigger, stronger, meaner and faster than its opponents.
Senior running back Scooter Ross has compiled about 1,500 yards rushing while running behind a veteran, physical offensive line that includes six seniors.
They are tight end Aaron Borden, tackles Austin Lunsford and Brandon Bush, guards Evan Delafield and Nick Hughes and center Nathan Atherton.
"They've been the key to our season," Phillips said.
Garrison's opponent this week — Leon (5-5) — defeated Marlin last week in what has been a hit-and-miss season. Leon has won consecutive games just once and allowed 33 points to Franklin and Rosebud-Lott in each of its last two losses.
Mainly a running team, Leon has shown the ability to move the ball and score. The Cougars have scored 20 or more points in seven of their games.
Phillips said he's not so much worried about Leon as he is optimistic about his team, which enters the playoffs with a positive vibe.
"We're clicking, right now," the coach said. "We going into the playoffs on a high note. We want to go as far as we can."
Garrison (8-2)
Garrison 47, Hemphill 14
Alto 33, Garrison 26
Garrison 21, West Sabine 6
Garrison 34, Timpson 6
Garrison 24, San Augustine 0
Arp 68, Garrison 28
Garrison 7, Elkhart 0
Garrison 40, West Rusk 22
Garrison 38, Frankston 19
Garrison 49, Troup 0
Leon (5-5)
Somerville 40, Leon 31
Kerens 44, Leon 21
Leon 27, Centerville 13
Leon 22, Bremond 19
Buffalo 27, Leon 14
Leon 27, Hearne 0
Franklin 33, Leon 14
Leon 19, Teague 0
Rosebud-Lott 33, Leon 20
Leon 27, Marlin 20
