Emerson-Hubbard edges Allen

The Emerson-Hubbard Pirates pretty much locked up a playoff berth with a 16-14 win at Allen Friday night.

The Eagles led 6-0 at the end of one. That was also the halftime score as no one scored in the second quarter.

The Pirates scored in the third quarter to lead 8-6 heading into the fourth quarter.

Both teams scored 8 points in the final stanza.

Emerson-Hubbard gave up 225 yards of total offense, including 153 on the ground.

I was impressed with the Pirates' win. I wasn't sure if Emerson-Hubbard would be able to pull it off, but they did. Hats off to the Pirates.

Emerson-Hubbard (4-3) hosts Randolph (4-3) Friday night in the regular season finale for both teams.

The Cardinals lost 36-12 at home to Wynot last time out.

I think the Pirates have a shot to make this game interesting and competitive.

Randolph beat Allen 54-14 so I don't know if Emerson-Hubbard will win, but you never know.

The Pirates have to come out and play their game, and see what happens.

Either way it appears Emerson-Hubbard is headed to the playoffs so their work in terms of earning a postseason berth appears to be finished.

With that said, the Pirates wouldn't be a very high seed if they lose to the Cardinals so Emerson-Hubbard no doubt wants to do everything they can to improve their playoff seeding.

A win for the Pirates would probably give them a more favorable matchup in the playoffs, and a loss would probably create a difficult first round matchup.

So the good news for Emerson-Hubbard is they're pretty much in the playoffs already, but the Pirates have to want more.

Emerson-Hubbard can't be satisfied and complacent with where they're at.

The Pirates have to give Randolph everything they've got and then some.

The Cardinals are a good team to help Emerson-Hubbard prepare for the playoffs so if anything this is a good test for the Pirates.

Emerson-Hubbard has to be pleased with the way things have turned out this season, and must continue to get better and ride the wave of momentum they've created.

The Pirates must play their tails off against Randolph, and treat the game as if their season is on the line.

Emerson-Hubbard will probably face a team just as good if not better than the Cardinals in the playoffs regardless of if they win or lose Friday night so the Pirates have to use this game as a measuring stick to see where they're at and where they stand.