Even though there are still three more regular-season high school football games on the schedule, the playoffs start tonight for the Nacogdoches Dragons.

With Lindale (3-4, 1-1) coming to town for a 7:30 p.m. kick-off tonight at Dragon Stadium, the Dragons need to basically win out in order to play past Week 10.

"I think it's a must-win for both teams, and that makes both teams play harder," Lindale head coach Mike Meador said. "Even though Nacogdoches is 0-2, If they win the next three games, they will be in playoffs. It's the same thing for us, a win helps our chances. There are definitely playoff implications there."

The Eagles will be coming in with momentum, though, after a 24-20 victory over Whitehouse last week.

Despite not scoring in the second half, Lindale was able to hold off Whitehouse for its first district victory.

Lindale's duo of Keandre Ross (32 carries for 186 yards) and Matt Broussard (35 carries for 129 yards) combined for more than 300 yards on the ground against Whitehouse. They will try for a repeat performance against a Nacogdoches defense that allowed 239 yards on the ground against Jacksonville.

Broussard has been the catalyst for the Eagles. The quarterback has rushed for 924 yards and nine touchdowns on 117 carries. He has also thrown for 275 yards and two scores.

"He helps a lot," Meador said of Broussard. "He is a great athlete who plays on both sides of the ball for us. He is an asset, because he makes the defense have to scheme a lot more."

The Dragons (3-4, 0-2) have had opportunities to win each of the first two District 14-4A ball games, but turnovers — four in each game — have eliminated their scoring chances.

"Part of our problem this year has also been turnovers," Meador said. "I think the team that turns the ball over the least will probably win.

"We have to do a good job of moving their big defensive line and maintaining possession."

Like Lindale, Nacogdoches will also look to get its running game going early. The Dragons were held to 132 yards on the ground in last week's 23-6 loss to Jacksonville. Senior D'Aundre Garrett is the team's leading rusher, with 575 yards and three touchdowns on 91 carries.

Nacogdoches will hit the road next week to take on Whitehouse.

Lindale at Nacogdoches

7:30 tonight, Dragon Stadium

Coaches: Bill Harper, Nacogdoches; Mike Meador, Lindale.

Records: Nacogdoches is 3-4, 0-2. Lindale is 3-4, 1-1.

Last week: Nacogdoches lost to Jacksonville 23-6. Lindale defeated Whitehouse 24-20.

Key players: Nacogdoches: QB Courtney Patton: He was effective running the football against Jacksonville. He he can mix that success in with efficient passing, the Dragons will have opportunities to score. RB/LB Jacoby Ervin: He led the Dragons with 61 yards on 13 carries last week, and he also recovered two fumbles on defense. TE LaBryant Johnson: He presents a mismatch every week. With his size and speed, opposing defenses have had trouble containing him. If the Dragons can utilize the big senior, he can cause problems for the Eagles tonight. PR Jacques Yarbrough: He broke a big return for a touchdown last week, but unfortunately had it called back due to a penalty. The Dragons hope he can put them in good field position tonight. Lindale: QB Matt Broussard: The Dragons have to be aware of where he is at all times. He has the speed to sprint past the defense, but also the ability to launch a pass down the field. If he isn't contained, it could be a long night for the black and gold. RB Keandre Ross: He is second on the Eagles, with 631 rushing yards and eight touchdowns. He and Broussard caused many problems for Whitehouse last week. WR Zach McCoy: The Eagles aren't going to throw the ball a lot. But when they do, it will likely go to McCoy, who leads the team, with 20 catches for 326 yards. UTIL James Crews: He does it all for the Eagles — runs, hits and kicks. In Lindales's 47-36 win over Nacogdoches last season, Crews caught five passes for 43 yards and two touchdowns and also kicked two field goals, from 22 and 27 yards out. He also made three extra points, accounting for 21 points in the game. Look for him to be a difference-maker tonight.

Next week: Nacogdoches travels to Whitehouse. Lindale hosts Henderson.

Radio: KJ 103.3 FM.

Prediction: Lindale 41, Nacogdoches 40.